By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The aggrieved Enigie (dukes) of Benin Kingdom have given the reason they are in court with the monarch, Oba Ewuare II.
They said they were in court to seek for the protection of their fundamental human rights.
Speaking for the Association of Enigie, 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 that we instituted for our own protection is against His Royal Majesty and also 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 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.”
The enigie in a press statement explained what led to their calling for the establishment of Traditional Councils in the seven local government areas in Edo South which included non-payment of their monthly entitlements, non-installation of enigie even after undergoing all traditional requirements and several other issues.