Lucky Obukohwo, ReportingÂ
The Director of Legal Services,
Benin Development Union (BeDU), Sgt. Joseph Otamere Uwumarenogie (rtd), has said that the group will stop at nothing to invoke institutional measures against those hiding under the legal action filed by some Dukes (Enigies) of the Oba of Benin in the State High Court to breach the peace and harmony in Edo State as the gubernatorial election draws near.
He disclosed this in a statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Benin.
Uwumarenogie alleged that those fuelling the crisis are the disbanded Community Development Association leaders in some communities who might be stagging a comeback but are often being defeated.
“You will agree with us that Edo State received a touch of divine blessing after the coronation Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan in as well as the electoral victory and swearing-in of Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2016 – when they both collaborated in the flushing out of the now disbanded Community Development Associations (CDAs) from the whole State.
“As usual, those who were parasitically exploiting that gun-wielding and disguised terrorist gang would be unhappy that they have been disbanded, and will obviously seek to break that iron clad collaboration spirit between the Oba of Benin and the State Governor.
“It is common knowledge in Edo South Senatorial District that the disbanded CDAs are now rearing their heads through the Association of Okaegheles. Their plans have almost materialized, so that they have a resurgence, God forbid.
“The discerning members of the public in Nigeria and across the globe are fully abreast of the incontrovertible facts of like the Oba of Benin, Edo State Government is a defendant in the legal action filed by some Dukes (Enigies) of the Oba of Benin in the State High Court.
“The court papers unmistakenly ascertain this fact. Expectedly, the patron clienteles of the disbanded CDAs will stop at nothing in ensuring a comeback, through a mischievous break in the bond of unity between our highly revered Omo’ N’ Oba and Edo State Governor.
“So, these enemies of peace and the ease of private and public properties development are shamelessly hiding under a disjuncted political party to fan the embers of core Benins antagonism against Edo State Governor and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Naysayers must expressly realize that the Oba of Benin is a diplomat of very high repute, and not one that is giving to pedestrian rationalizations, especially, those seeking to making political capital out of this absolutely ridiculous court process.
“We condemn in strong terms the destabilizing intentions of the plaintiffs, and we accordingly call on them to immediately withdraw this case, even as we pledge to file a separate court action against them to bring the full weight of the law on their despicable, abominable and very sacrilegious conducts.
“All those behind the misinformation, disinformation, stoking of Oba Palace, and Government House tension, as well as false characterization of Edo State Governor, Edo State Government, as well as the Peoples Democratic Party over the court action by the Enigies should desist forthwith, as we will not hesitate to initiate or invoke institutional measures against these glorified terrorists afflicting the peace and palpable harmony in Edo State as the gubernatorial election draws near”, Uwumarenogie said.