Court adjourns suit against Oba of Benin to Oct 17

A Benin High Court on Monday adjourned the case brought against the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II by two suspended Benin Enigie (Dukes) until October 17.

The two suspended Enigie of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, filed the suit through their counsel, Dr Osagie Obayuwana.

The other parties in the suit are Edo State Government, represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi.

Prof Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Kingsley Obamogie (SAN) and Mr Samson Osagie stood in for the Oba of Benin.

The Enigie had, on behalf of others, sued Oba Ewuare, challenging their suspension from office in 2023 following allegation of spearheading rebellion against the Oba.

It would be recalled that on May 9, 2024, Justice Peter Akhihiero had also admitted the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) as a party in the suit and adjourned the case until July 15.

The BTC is represented by Mrs P.O. Okoduwa.

When the case came up for hearing on Monday, a new judge handling the case, Justice Mary Asamota, adjourned the suit until October 17, citing the forthcoming annual judicial vacation year as reason for the long adjournment.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Edo residents, including members of the Benin Royal family, Palace Chiefs, Priests and Priestesses defied the heavy rainfall to witness the outcome of the court case.

They stood around the court premises because security agents had denied persons who had no business being in the court, access to the courtroom during the sitting.

Some groups rendered songs in solidarity with the Oba of Benin.