Enigie vs Oba of Benin: Edo govt deploys security to forestall attacks on judges, lawyers

The Edo State Government said it would be deploying security personnel to beef up security at the premises of the State High Court for the resumed hearing of the suit between the suspended Enigie and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

The case is slated for Monday, July 15, 2024, for the continuation of hearing.

DAILY POST also recalls that the state government had in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, said it unravelled plans by unscrupulous elements to stage a protest to disrupt the court.

The suspended Enigies who took the Oba of Benin to court are Professor Gregory Akenzua, Enigie of Evbuobanosa, Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, on behalf of others.

They 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.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation said the state government would be deploying adequate security personnel to the courts premises to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“Tomorrow, is July 15, 2024, we expect everybody to go about their normal business, and we will not allow or tolerate hoodlums in any guise to gather, to march towards the courts or behind the court’s houses intimidating judges or lawyers.

“Edo is a peaceful state and we all understand the roles of every arm of government, the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. They are all very important arms. Their independence must be guaranteed at all times.

“I like to reiterate that we have it on good authority that the so-called protest against the judiciary, judges and lawyers billed to take place in Edo tomorrow is being sponsored by unscrupulous politicians.

“We have uncovered the culpability of unscrupulous political elements who want to reign an attack on judiciary, judges and lawyers.

“We are stating without equivocation that we will not allow that and that the government is going to protect the people, security agents are going to protect the judiciary, judges and Lawyers.

“We called on parents to please be alert so that their children and their wards are not used by these unscrupulous persons to achieve political gains and put their lives in danger because the government will spare no legal efforts to ensure that violent bargains at the judiciary will not stand.

“Tell your children to stay at home and not to be lured by the small money given out by some unscrupulous politicians to lure them into a protest that may lead to injuries or arrest because the government will not be spared any effort to ensure that justice prevails”, he said.