Court adjourns Benin monarch, suspended dukes case till February 20
Justice Mary Asemota of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City on Monday adjourned hearing in the suit between suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes) and Oba of Benin till February 20, 2025.
The claimants are suspended by the Enogie of Evbuobanosa Dukedom, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and his counterpart at Egbaen Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen — challenged their removal from office by the Oba in court, following allegations of leading a rebellion against the Benin monarchy.
Justice Asemota, who hinged the decision on ‘change-of-guard’ in the Edo State Government, said the adjournment would enable the state Attorney-General, Dr Samson Osagie, study and respond to the court process accordingly.
The judge said, “The decision to adjourn the case to February 20, 2025 is hinged on ‘change of guard’ as the adjournment will enable the Attorney of the state to study and respond to the court process accordingly.”
The development comes after Dr Osagie Obayuwana, counsel for the claimants, drew the court’s attention to an affidavit for extension, filed by the former Attorney General, Oluwole Osazee-Uzzi.
Earlier, the state Attorney-General, Osagie, who is the second defendant in the suit marked B/250os/2023, asked for adjournment of the case to enable him to review the motion for affidavit before the next adjournment date.
He also informed the court that the adjournment date was based on ‘mutual agreement’ by counsel to parties in the suit, noting that his request was due to transition in the state government.
Kingsley Obamogie joined by his team of lawyers, appeared for the first defendant (Oba of Benin), while P. O Okoduwa stood-in the 3rd defendant Benin Traditional Council during the sitting.
