KEY POINTS
- The case between the Oba of Benin and suspended dukes is adjourned to February 2025.
- The decision was made to allow the new Attorney-General to review the case.
- The legal teams for both the Oba and the Benin Traditional Council attended the hearing.
A legal battle between the Oba of Benin and two suspended dukes (Enigie) has been postponed until February 20, 2025, as Justice Mary Asemota of the Edo State High Court in Benin City adjourned the case on Monday.
The case involves Prof. Gregory Akenzua, the Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa, and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, the Enogie of Egbaen Siluko, both of whom were removed from their positions by the Oba due to allegations of leading a rebellion against the Benin monarchy.
The adjournment, announced during the hearing, was based on the change of leadership within the state government. This will provide Dr. Samson Osagie, the newly appointed Attorney-General of Edo State, time to study the case and respond properly.
Justice Asemota emphasized that the decision was to allow the Attorney-General adequate time to go through the court documents and formulate a response.
Attorney-General seeks time to review case
During the hearing, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, who represents the suspended dukes, brought up an affidavit for an extension filed by the former Attorney-General, Oluwole Osazee-Uzzi.
The new Attorney-General, Osagie, who is the second defendant in the case, requested more time to review the motion and other legal documents before the next hearing.
According to Punch, he explained that the adjournment request was in line with the ongoing transition in the state government, which required careful consideration of all pending legal matters.
The request for more time was mutually agreed upon by both sides of the case. Dr. Osagie assured the court that the adjournment was in the best interest of all parties involved, as it would allow him to better understand the legal intricacies of the case before moving forward.
Legal teams present in court
The court session saw the appearance of several legal representatives. Kingsley Obamogie, the lawyer for the first defendant, the Oba of Benin, was present along with his legal team.
P.O. Okoduwa represented the third defendant, the Benin Traditional Council. Their presence highlighted the seriousness of the case, which is set to have significant cultural and political implications for the Benin Kingdom.
As the case moves toward its next hearing in February 2025, the legal teams for both sides are expected to continue preparing their arguments, with each side having the opportunity to present new evidence and clarify issues.
In the meantime, the suspended dukes will continue to challenge their removal, while the Benin monarch remains under scrutiny for his decisions regarding the leadership of the Benin Dukedoms.
