Suspended dukes ready to settle with Oba of Benin
The suspended Enigie (Dukes) of the Benin Kingdom have declared their readiness to settle with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
They, however, said the resolution must be based on justice, which they said was why they challenged their suspension in court.
At a news conference yesterday, the suspended dukes also denied allegations that they were being sponsored by the state government.
According to them, some members of the royal family and lawyers to Oba Ewuare II were wrong in their positions, stressing that they explored all traditional means of ensuring peace, before they went to court.
The palace, penultimate week, condemned the planned peace move initiated by Governor Godwin Obaseki
Prof. Gregory Akenzua, who spoke for the dukes, 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. 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 the Oba of Benin and the state 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 Benin palace chiefs, members of Benin 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.
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“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.”
Prof. Akenzua also said the suit instituted by him and Edonmwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen was to uphold their rights to fair hearing, which he maintained every citizen was entitled to.
He said: “We do not think it is honourable or dignifying for those who claim to be supporters of the Oba of Benin to disrupt the sitting of the court, each time the case comes up.”
The suspended dukes also said their calls for the establishment of traditional councils in the seven local government areas in Edo South included non-payment of their monthly entitlements, and the non-installation of enigie, even after undergoing all traditional requirements, among many others, which they said they were uncomfortable with.
