Residents of Benin, the Edo State capital, on Monday, defied heavy presence of security operatives and besieged the Edo State High Court in solidarity with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, following the suit filed against him by two suspended Enigies (Dukes).
Residents of the city, including members of the royal family, palace chiefs, priests and priestesses as well as royal fans, besieged the court premises singing solidarity songs in support of the Oba of Benin.
The suspended Enigie of Evbuobanosa alongside his counterpart at Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin (Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Mr Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen), are challenging their suspension from office by Oba Ewuare II, following an allegation of spearheading rebellion against the Oba.
But at the resumed hearing on Monday, Justice Mary Asemota adjourned the case to October 17, 2024, for mention.
Justice Asemota cited the forthcoming annual Judicial vacation year of the bench as reason for the long adjustment.
Counsel to Oba of Benin, Dr Osagie Osagie, who spoke with journalists shortly after the adjournment, said, “Today, the judge handling the case has said as a new judge, the case will start afresh.”
On his part, counsel to petitioners, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, who described the process as normal, said there was a reorganisation of courts.
“Judges have been moved and the case was adjourned to October 17th 2024,” he said.
Edo State Government had earlier warned residents to steer clear of the court premise.
“We have uncovered culpability of political element within the LP and APC to reign an attack on judiciary, judges and lawyers on Monday. We are stating without equivocation that government will not allow that to happen,” it said.
The government said security agencies have been put on alert and would be deployed to ensure that the Benin High Court proceedings went on without disturbances.
