By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City on Thursday considered and granted three sets of applications regularizing the suit filed by suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes), challenging their removal from office by His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin last year, following allegation of spearheading rebellion against Benin monarchy.
The application by Kingsley Obamogie (SAN), the lead Counsel to the 1st Defendant (Oba of Benin) who appeared with his team of lawyers, asked for extension of time to file notice of preliminary objection, challenging the competence of the suit filed by the Claimants — suspended Enogie of Evbuobanosa Dukedom and his counterpart Mr Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen Dukedoms at Egbaen Siluko Dukedom, was taken and granted by justice Mary Asemota.
The judge also considered and granted the counter affidavit filed by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) in opposition to the Claimants suit marked, B/250os/2023, in the court where the Edo State Attorney General, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi (SAN), was represented at the sitting by E. B Akhimien, Esq.
Also, the Claimants represented by their lead Counsel, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, sought a relief for an extension of time to enable him reply the counter affidavit filed by Benedicta Okoduwa who appeared on behalf the Benin Traditional Council’s application, which was considered and taken by Justice Asemota who thereafter adjourned the suit till 2nd of December 2024 for hearing.
The suit, formerly in Justice Peter Akhihiero’s court, was previously adjourned to October 17th 2024 for mention, following routine shuffle of courts, leading to reassigning of the suit to Justice Asemota’s court.
Palace Chiefs, members of the Benin Royal family led by Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, Edo sons and daughters, including ‘loyal Enigie’ and groups were at the court premises in solidarity with the Oba Ewuare II.