Twist in Prof Akenzua-Oba Ewuare-Obaseki Legal Saga, as Edo AG Uzzi, Drop Charges Against Suspended Enogie

Spread the love

By Correspondent

After last week’s Pro-Oba Ewuare protests that rocked Benin City the Edo State capital, the Government of Mr. Godwin Obaseki has designed various schemes to wriggle itself out of the dangerous crisis that has seriously depleted the governor’s rating and goodwill.

One of such move is to take up the role of a mediator between the Prof Gregory Akenzua faction of renegade Enegies and the Oba of Benin.

Presently, Obaseki is shopping for peace-makers that will lead him to the palace of Oba Ewuare II. Observers are however, curious to see the outcomes of his move.

But the latest discovery points to a different direction and plan by Edo State Government.

In a secret document prepared and signed on March 5, 2024 by the Edo State Attorney General, Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, the State Government had asked the Magistrate Court handling a case, to drop the charge of impersonation the police had slammed on the suspended Enogie Akenzua.

The statement which Midwest Herald gathered was for administrative purpose had found its way to the public as the anti Obaseki sentiment spreads across the state.

This discovery again authenticates the view of some persons that Obaseki may have masterminded the feud between the Benin Monarch and the dissenting Enegies led by his uncle, Prof Gregory Akenzua.

The police had charged Prof Akenzua of impersonation but Mr. Uzzi in his release of March 5, 2024, explained that his decision to let the suspended Enogie off the hook was based on the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of the defunct Bendel State as applicable in Edo State.

His Statement reads: “Following a painstaking review of the case file and the Police investigation Report and all relevant laws, particularly the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of the defunct Bendel State as anplicable in Edo State, by the Director of Publlc Prosecutlon and subsequently by the Attorney General of Edo State, the charge of impersonation brought by the Police against Professor Gregory Akenzua was discontinued by the Attorney General and same was accordingly dismissed by the Magistrate in accordance with the law.

“The conclusion reached was borne out of the fact that no prima facie case of the commission of the stated offence or a breach of any provision of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, or any other law, was disclosed such as to warant a charge of impersonation or any criminal charge being brought and continued against Professor Gregory Akenzua.

In the circumstances, it would have been futile and amount to a waste of time and resources for the Police or the State to have proceeded with the charge, and so doing would be contrary to the rule of law.

“Consequently, the prosecution of Professor Akenzua was discontinued pursuant to the power conferred on the Attorney General by Section 211 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999(as amended)

“It is to be noted that while the Traditional Authorities have the discretion to appoint Enigies and Chiefs, this is by law, subject to confirmation of such appointment by the State Executive Council.

“The power to suspend or remove anyone from such position, also lies exclusively on the State Executive Council.

“It is the Edo State Govermment’s hope that the issues which gave rise to this matter can be amicably resolved in the best interest of the peace, security and tranquility of the state and that the dignity and reverence in which the traditional institution in the state is held by all well meaning and law abiding citizens and residents alike, will abide.”