On Monday, Justice Mary Asemota of the Edo State High Court in Benin City postponed the hearing in the lawsuit between the Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, and the suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes) until February 20, 2025.
The Claimants are suspended Enogie of Evbuobanosa Dukedom, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and his counterpart at Egbaen Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen — challenging their removal from office by the Oba in court, following allegation of leading rebellion against Benin monarchy.
Justice Asemota who hinged the decision on ‘change-of-guard’ in Edo State government, said the adjournment would enable the Attorney-General of the State, Dr Samson Osagie, study, and respond to the court process accordingly.
The development comes after Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Counsel to the Claimants, drew the court’s attention to an affidavit for extension, filed by the former Attorney General of the State, Oluwole Osazee-Uzzi (SAN).
Earlier, the State Attorney-General, Dr Samson Osagie, who is the 2nd defendant in the suit marked B/250os/2023, asked for adjournment of the case to enable him 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 Counsels to parties in the suit, noting that his request was due to transition in Edo State government.
Kingsley Obamogie (SAN) 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 (BTC) during the sitting.
