Attacks on Edo Chief Judge Threaten Democracy, Rule of Law — Benin Summit Group (BSG)

By Arit Mbeh

The Benin Summit Group has condemned what it described as ongoing attacks, blackmail, and attempts to discredit the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued by its Convener, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the group expressed concern over what it called a coordinated effort by certain interests to drag the Chief Judge into political controversies and use the judiciary to advance narrow political agendas.

Onaiwu said the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must be protected from intimidation, manipulation, and public vilification.

“We have watched with growing concern the orchestrated attempts to malign the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Okungbowa. These attacks are not only unfair and unwarranted, they constitute a direct threat to the integrity of the judiciary and the democratic principles upon which our society is founded,” he said.

According to him, the Chief Judge occupies a constitutional office and should be allowed to perform his duties without fear, intimidation, harassment, or political interference.

“The judiciary is not a political department and should not be treated as one,” Onaiwu stated.

The group noted that judicial officers are expected to interpret and apply the law based on facts and established legal principles rather than public sentiment, political pressure, or propaganda campaigns.

Onaiwu also cautioned politicians, political appointees, pressure groups, and prominent Benin indigenes holding public office against involving the Chief Judge in partisan disputes.

“We will resist any attempt to make the Chief Judge a pawn for cheap political gain. We will resist any effort to turn the judiciary into a battleground for political supremacy,” he said.

He added that no individual or group, regardless of status, should seek to compromise the independence of the judiciary for personal, political, or sectional interests.

The Benin Summit Group further emphasized the Benin Kingdom’s longstanding tradition of respect for institutions and due process, urging public officials to exercise restraint when commenting on judicial matters.

The group called on all stakeholders to allow legal processes to run their course and refrain from actions capable of undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.

“The judiciary must remain independent, impartial, and insulated from political manipulation. Any attempt to undermine the office of the Chief Judge ultimately undermines public confidence in the justice system and weakens the foundations of democracy itself,” Onaiwu said.

He also urged the Benin political class to unite in protecting the interests of Benin people within the political space.

The Benin Summit Group called on all parties involved to desist from further attacks on the Chief Judge and to respect the sanctity of the judiciary as a co-equal arm of government.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic institutions, promoting the rule of law, and safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary in Edo State and across Nigeria.

“We will continue to protect the interest of credible Benins both in the public and private sector,” Onaiwu added.