News

Aggrieved Enigies Seek Peace With Oba Of Benin

Published

1 year ago

June 4, 2024

The aggrieved Enigies (Dukes) of Benin Kingdom who instituted a court case against the Oba Ewuare II of Benin Kingdom on Tuesday said they were not averse to peaceful resolution of the crises.

The Enigies, however, said the resolution of the issue must be based on justice, noting that it was the reason they went to court to challenge the alleged injustice being meted to them.

The Oba’s uncle, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, is one of the suspended Enigies (Duke) who took the Oba to court challenging their suspension as enigie in the Benin kingdom.

Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen and other Dukes had approached the court to quash their suspension by the Oba Ewuare II, saying that only the state government has the power to suspend them.

On May 27, the Benin Royal Family announced the suspension of embattled Professor Gregeory Akenzua. When contacted over his suspension, Akenzua said he was yet to get details of the suspension and members of the Benin Royal Family who suspended him, promising to address the press at the appropriate time on the matter.

However, at a press conference in Benin, Akenzua, who spoke on behalf of other Association of Enigie in Edo South Senatorial district which had 48 other members in attendance, said that there was no other traditional process that they know that they have not gone through to resolve the matter.

The enigies also denied allegations that they were being sponsored by the government and its agents even as they chronicled events that led to the crisis between them and the palace.

They also said that some members of the royal family and the lawyers to the Oba who recently issued statements condemning the planned peace moves initiated by Governor Godwin Obaseki were wrong in their positions.

Akenzua said, “There is no other traditional process that we know that we have not gone through. We are in court to establish protection of our fundamental human rights and I want to also clarify the erroneous impression that has been created in the media that we are being used by some other people to challenge the palace.

“The case that we instituted for our own protection is against His Royal Majesty and the government because the government is also expected to protect our fundamental human rights.

“We welcome the initiative of those who propose an amicable settlement of the dispute, and regret that comments by some palace chiefs, members of the royal family and the Oba’s lawyers, do not only augur well for the prospect of peace but go against the legacy of Oba Adolo of blessed memory who was a champion of conciliation.

“We affirm that we stand for peace founded on decorum, integrity and justice. We are upholders of the tradition of our ancestors, and all we wish to do is to continue to serve our people in humility.”

He also said that the suit instituted by himself and Edonmwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen was to uphold their right to a fair hearing “which we believe every citizen is entitled to.

“On this, we do not think it is honourable or dignifying for those who claim to be supporters of the Oba to disrupt the sitting of the court each time the case comes up.”

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

13 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

13 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

13 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.