By Ozioruva Aliu

THE Edo State government has denied its involvement in a suit against the Oba of Benin, His Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II by some suspended Enigie (Dukes).

A statement by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare said “The State Government has no hand in the matter and is also being sued by the Enigie.

“The case with suit no B/29005/2023 is between His Royal Highness Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua, the Enogie of Evbo-Obanosa/Abudu and His Royal Highness Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, the Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko against Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and the State Government, who are defendants in the suit.

“It is sad and painful that the matter which is essentially among brothers has degenerated to the point of litigation.

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“The government hereby appeals to all parties in the matter, being blood relatives, to work together and withdraw the matter from the court and begin a process of dialogue towards the amicable resolution of the issues in the interest of the sanctity of our most respected traditional institution. 

“Government is also open to working with all parties for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.”

There have been claims in some quarters that the suspended enogie were being urged by people in government to challenge their suspension on the ground that it was only the state executive council that has the power to suspend them and not the Oba of Benin despite being the appointing authority.