The Benin Traditional Council has announced the suspension of 67 Enigie in Benin Kingdom, with immediate effect.
Frank Irabor, the Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, who disclosed this development in a statement in Benin on Friday – yesterday, March 7 – said their suspension was as a result of their anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin and the traditional institution.
“This decision was made by Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin, due to their alleged anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin and the traditional institution,” he said.
According to him, the suspended Enigie’s names have been attached to the notification for information and necessary follow-up action.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some of the suspended Enigie, including Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, have already challenged their suspension in a Benin High Court, arguing that the Oba of Benin does not have the authority to suspend them, under the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.
This development has highlighted the complexities of traditional institutions and their relationships with modern governance structures, art and culture experts have argued.
