Edo government alleges plot to disrupt court proceedings

Ahead of the Monday, July 15, 2024, resumed hearing of the suit between the suspended Enigie and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, at the Edo State High Court, the Edo State Government said it has unravelled plans by unscrupulous elements to stage a protest to disrupt court proceedings.

DAILY POST reports that the suspended Enigie that took the Oba of Benin to court are Professor Gregory Akenzua, Enigie of Evbuobanosa, and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, Egbaen Siluko Dukedom, in Benin Kingdom, on behalf of others.

The suspended Enigie are challenging their suspension by the Oba of Benin at the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City in the suit marked B/250os/2023, in which the Oba and the Edo State Government are the 1st and 2nd defendants, respectively.

In a statement by Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, made available to newsmen on Saturday, the state government alleged that some groups are plotting to exploit the disruption of the court hearing to score cheap political points.

Nehikhare also alleged that the state government was aware that some unscrupulous politicians were behind the plan to sponsor violence to disrupt the peace in the state to score cheap political points.

He noted that the plot to disrupt the court proceedings was contained in a recent post circulating on social media platforms inciting and urging people to disrupt the operations of the Benin High Court on Monday, July 15.

According to him: “The Edo State Government hereby condemns in the strongest terms the recent posts circulating on social media platforms inciting and urging people to disrupt the operations of the Benin High Court on Monday, July 15.

“It is highly disconcerting that there have been attempts to interfere with the judicial process through threats and displays aimed at inciting public unrest.

“It is imperative to emphasise that the rule of law must prevail, and all arms of government must be allowed to carry out their functions without fear of intimidation or disruption. The sanctity of our institutions must be upheld at all times.”

Nehikhare added: “We also call on parents to protect their children from being exploited by persons who want to disrupt peace for political gains.

“The Edo State Government will take all lawful actions against any individual or group found to be involved in activities that undermine the peace in the state.

“We urged all law-abiding citizens to reject and ignore any calls to disrupt the peace in the state and to refrain from engaging in any actions that could jeopardise public order.

“It is only through respect for the law and due process that we can ensure a just and orderly society for all.

“It is, therefore, in the best interest of all law-abiding citizens of our dear state that we enjoin everyone to join hands with the government in safeguarding the integrity of our institutions and preserving the peace and harmony of our beloved Edo State.”