THE Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has cautioned Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to stir clear off his so-called misunderstanding between the Oba of Benin and two suspended Enigie (Dukes) in his kingdom, saying it is abominable to interfere with the age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration of the kingdom.
The two Enigie had dragged the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, and the state government to court over their suspension by the revered monarch, arguing that the Oba does not have the power to suspend them without the consent of the state executive council and the governor.
Obaseki, during a visits to one of the suspended Enigie, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, said he would visit the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin to initiate a reconciliation process.
But the BTC, in a strong-worded statement, dated May 22, said it was an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with the age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration of the kingdom, which they expected those involved to explore.
The statement was signed by prominent Benin chiefs, including Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere; Oliha of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha; Aiwerioghene of Benin, Chief Henry Osato Bazuaye; Uwangue of Benin, Chief Ekhoerovbiye Oviasogie; Eribo of Benin, Chief Ada Igbinovia; Esere of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi; Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah; Ine of Benin, Chief Okuonghae Edomwandagbon and Obahiagbon of Benin, Chief David Aibiokun Ehondor.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the reported plan by the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to initiate dispute resolution of the suit filed by two suspended Enigie against His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo,Oba of Benin.
“Our attention has also been drawn to a press statement credited to the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Edo State, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, in which he claimed that the suit filed by the Enigie is a family dispute within the Benin Royal Family
“We wish to state, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Benin traditional institution has a well-established and fully -functional process of customary arbitration under the authority of His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
“This process of customary arbitration is well-known to all Benin traditional chiefs, including the suspended Enigie. Any traditional chief who has any genuine cause to be aggrieved is at liberty to explore this customary arbitration process.
“It is, therefore, an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with this age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration.
“We also wish to emphasise that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, reigns over the Benin Kingdom as the spiritual and royal father of the Benin people, irrespective of family status, age and office.
“Consequently, it is an affront for anyone to suggest that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, is in dispute with those over whom he reigns, including members of the Royal Family.
“We admonish members of the general public to be wary of the abominable efforts to undermine the Benin traditional institution through deliberate acts and utterances which are calculated to create confusion.
“We appeal to members of the general public to remain law-abiding and pray for peace to continue to reign in the Benin Kingdom.”
