Aggrieved Dukes (Enigie) in Edo South Senatorial District of Edo state Wednesday said they are not averse to peace with the Oba of Benin palace, but insisted it must be on the basis of justice.
The Enigie stated that the suit they instituted in court was to seek fair hearing and protection of their human rights, even as they dismissed.
claims that they did not explore customary channels to resolve contending issues.
The chiefs said, “We adopted all known channels, including customary method to settle the issues with the palace but we were denied access.”
The Enigie, numbering 51 disclosed this at a press conference in Benin City. They also denied insinuations that they were being sponsored by the Edo state government.
They listed non-payment of their monthly entitlements, non-installation of enigie even after undergoing all traditional requirements and several other issues as reason for seeking for the establishment of traditional councils in the seven local government areas in Edo south.
Prof. Gregory Akenzua who spoke on behalf of others said some members of the royal family and the lawyers to the Oba were wrong in condemning the planned peace move by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He stated, “The case we instituted for our own protection against His Royal Majesty and also the government because the government is also expected to protect our fundamental human rights.
