Drama: Priests and priestesses storm Edo court to defend Oba of Benin over Enigie suspension

There was mild drama at the Edo State High Court on Thursday as 100 traditional priests and priestesses stormed the premises to defend the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who was being sued by two suspended Enigie (Dukes).

The priests and priestesses dressed in traditional attire entered the courtroom chanting curses against the Oba’s enemies as the hearing of the case initiated by the suspended Enigie resumed.

Two suspended Enigie (Dukes) of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko duchies in Benin Kingdom, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, had, on behalf of some others, sued the monarch before the Edo State High Court, challenging their suspension from their positions.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Justice Peter Akhihiero of the Edo State High Court admitted the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) as a party in a suit.

They alleged that only the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and not the monarch, could suspend them from their positions for alleged rebellion against the monarch.

Oba Ewuare II and Edo State Government are the first and second defendants respectively in the suit marked B/250os/2023.

Justice Peter Akhihiero ruled in favor of the 1st defendant (Oba Ewuare II) and granted him membership of the Benin Traditional Council as the 3rd defendant.

While other parties in the suit echoed the position of Oba Ewuare II’s lawyer to join the Benin Traditional Council, BTC joined the suit but the plaintiffs, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, prayed through their lawyer, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana to the court not to do so listed the Benin Traditional Council and BTC as parties in the suit and urged the court to award the plaintiffs costs against Oba of Benin.

But Justice Akhihiero, who rejected their prayers, said Obayuwana should not worry about the timing.

According to him, “The race is not for the quick and the fight is not for the strong.” If they would involve the Traditional Council when necessary, I don’t see it as a problem since you have taken the Oba to court. I don’t think I can close any party. Let them come in and file their lawsuits.”

Justice Akhihiero, who directed all parties in the suit to amend their relevant documents in the case to reflect the court’s decision, adjourned the hearing in the case to July 15, 2024.