Aggrieved enigies (dukes) of Benin Kingdom, who are having issues with the palace of Benin Kingdom, including instituting a suit in court, said they are not averse to peace but that it must be based on justice, which is why they went to court to challenge the alleged injustice meted to them.
Yesterday, at a press conference in Benin City, the dukes also denied allegations that they were being sponsored by the government and its agents, even as they chronicled events that led to the crisis between them and the palace.
They also said that some members of the royal family and the lawyers to the Oba who recently issued statements condemning Governor Godwin Obaseki’s planned peace moves initiative were wrong in their positions, adding that they explored all known traditional means of ensuring peace before they went to court.
On behalf of the Association Enigies Edo South Senatorial District, Professor Gregory Akenzua said, “There is no other traditional process that we know that we have not gone through.
“We are in court to establish protection of our fundamental human rights and I want to also clarify the erroneous impression that has been created in the media that we are being used by some other people to challenge the palace, no. The case we instituted for our own protection is against His Royal Majesty and the government because the government is also expected to protect our fundamental human rights.
“We welcome the initiative of those who propose an amicable settlement of the dispute and regret that comments by some Palace Chiefs, Members of the Royal Family and the Oba’s Lawyers not only do not augur well for the prospect of peace, but go against the legacy of Oba Adolo of blessed memory who was a champion of conciliation.
“We affirm that we stand for peace founded on decorum, integrity and justice. We are upholders of the tradition of our ancestors, and all we wish to do is to continue to serve our people in humility.”
He also said that the suit instituted by himself and Edonmwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen was to uphold their right to a fair hearing, “Which we believe every citizen is entitled to. On this we do not think it is honourable or dignifying for those who claim to be supporters of the Oba to disrupt the sitting of the Court each time the case comes up.”
In a press statement, the enigies chronicled the developments that led to their calling for the establishment of Traditional Councils in the seven local government areas in Edo South, including non-payment of their monthly entitlements, non-installation of enigies even after undergoing all traditional requirements, and several other issues.
