The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has announced the immediate suspension of 67 Enigie (chiefs) within the Benin Kingdom, citing acts of rebellion and defiance against the authority of the Oba of Benin and the established traditional institution.
The announcement, delivered in a statement on Friday by BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, marks a significant development in the ongoing dynamics within the kingdom.
“This decision was made by Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, due to their alleged anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin and the traditional institution,” stated Irabor in the official release. The names of the suspended Enigie are appended to the notification, according to the BTC, for public information and appropriate action.
The move follows a period of escalating tensions between the palace and some of its chiefs. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several of the suspended Enigie, including prominent figures such as Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, had previously contested their suspension in the Benin High Court.
These Enigie have argued that the Oba of Benin lacks the constitutional power to suspend them, citing the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law as the basis for their claim. This legal challenge underscores the complexities of navigating the roles and jurisdictions of traditional institutions within the framework of modern governance.
The suspension of these 67 Enigie is expected to have widespread repercussions throughout the Benin Kingdom and highlights the delicate balance between upholding tradition and adapting to contemporary legal and social structures. The situation is being closely monitored as it potentially sets a precedent for future interactions between traditional rulers and their constituencies. The palace is yet to issue further comment beyond the initial statement.
