You can't mediate over Benin Royal family dispute, Obaseki told

Benin Palace Chiefs have declared that no individual, including Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State can neither interfere nor mediate over dispute between Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin

and Dukes (Enigie) who were suspended by the traditional ruler.

Chief Edionwe Oliha (Oliha of Benin), Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere (Osuma of Benin), and others on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council said this in a statement on Wednesday May 29.

They expressed displeasure over the recent comments credited to the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare that the suit filed by some Enigie, challenging their suspension by the Oba Ewuare in Court, “is a family dispute within the Royal family”.

The Chiefs also picked holes in the reported plan by the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to initiate Dispute Resolution of the suit filed by two suspended Enigie (Dukes) against Oba Ewuare II, as diversionary.

The statement said, “The Benin Traditional institution has a well- established and fully functional process of arbitration under the authority of of His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin. This process of customary arbitration is well-known to all the Benin traditional Chiefs, including the suspended Enigie”.

Accordingly, any traditional Chief has any genuine cause to be aggrieved is at liberty to explore this customary arbitration process. It is therefore aan abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with this age-long and well established process of customary arbitration”.

The statement further emphasized that His Royal Majesty ad the spiritual and Royal father of Benin people irrespective of family status, age, and office. Consequently, it is an affront for anyone to suggest that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin is in dispute with those whom he reigns, including members of the Royal family”.