Politics

Enigie vs Oba of Benin: Edo govt deploys security to forestall attacks on judges, lawyers

Published

12 months ago

July 14, 2024

Godwin Obaseki

The Edo State Government said it would be deploying security personnel to beef up security at the premises of the State High Court for the resumed hearing of the suit between the suspended Enigie and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

The case is slated for Monday, July 15, 2024, for the continuation of hearing.

DAILY POST also recalls that the state government had in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, said it unravelled plans by unscrupulous elements to stage a protest to disrupt the court.

The suspended Enigies who took the Oba of Benin to court are Professor Gregory Akenzua, Enigie of Evbuobanosa, Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, on behalf of others.

They are challenging their suspension by the Oba of Benin at the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City in the suit marked, B/250os/2023, in which the Oba and the Edo State Government, are the 1st and 2nd defendants, respectively.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation said the state government would be deploying adequate security personnel to the courts premises to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“Tomorrow, is July 15, 2024, we expect everybody to go about their normal business, and we will not allow or tolerate hoodlums in any guise to gather, to march towards the courts or behind the court’s houses intimidating judges or lawyers.

“Edo is a peaceful state and we all understand the roles of every arm of government, the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. They are all very important arms. Their independence must be guaranteed at all times.

“I like to reiterate that we have it on good authority that the so-called protest against the judiciary, judges and lawyers billed to take place in Edo tomorrow is being sponsored by unscrupulous politicians.

“We have uncovered the culpability of unscrupulous political elements who want to reign an attack on judiciary, judges and lawyers.
“We are stating without equivocation that we will not allow that and that the government is going to protect the people, security agents are going to protect the judiciary, judges and Lawyers.

“We called on parents to please be alert so that their children and their wards are not used by these unscrupulous persons to achieve political gains and put their lives in danger because the government will spare no legal efforts to ensure that violent bargains at the judiciary will not stand.

“Tell your children to stay at home and not to be lured by the small money given out by some unscrupulous politicians to lure them into a protest that may lead to injuries or arrest because the government will not be spared any effort to ensure that justice prevails”, he said.

Politics

ADC Strengthens Party Structure with Release of State Chairmen Names

Published

6 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a significant step in bolstering its organizational structure nationwide by releasing the names of its state chairmen for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This move aims to enhance coordination and leadership at the state level as the party prepares for future elections.

Full List of ADC State Chairmen:

South-South
Akwa Ibom State: Duke Gabriel Dick
Delta State: Austine Okotie
Rivers State: Ode Lawrence E

South-East

Abia State: Iyke Nwoka
Anambra State: Patrick Obianyo
Ebonyi State: Jennifer Adibie N
Enugu State: Stella Chukwula
Imo State: Prof James Okoroma

North-Central
Benue State: Celestine Orbunda
Kogi State: John Adeli Udale
Kwara State: Adebayo Akadi
Nasarawa State: Musa S. Shuaib
Niger State: Auta Mohammed
Plateau State: Hanatu Garaba

North-East
Adamawa State: Yohanna Shehu K
Bauchi State: Hon. Haruna Hassan
Borno State: Mohammed Bolori
Gombe State: Mallam Danladi Yau
Taraba State: Adamu Hassan
Yobe State: Alh. Kalli Umar

North-West
Jigawa State: Alh. Sanni Mohammed
Kaduna State: Ahmed Tijani M
Kano State: Ungogo Musa
Katsina State: Alh. Usman Musa
Kebbi State: Hajia Hawa Mohammed
Sokoto State: Hon. Umar Farouk
Zamfara State: Alh. Kabiru Garba

South-West
Ekiti State: Adekolu O. Moses
Lagos State: George Ashiru
Ogun State: Otunba Pat. Olufemi
Ondo State: Chief Mrs. Ganiyu Sidirika
Osun State: Charles Idowu
Oyo State: Alh. Yinka Adona
FCT: Yusuf Tijani

Politics

Akpabio removes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senate committee chair

Published

22 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the replacement of suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations

Akpabio, during plenary on Thursday, announced Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new chairman of the committee.

As a result, Bassey replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose leadership of the committee had been uncertain due to her suspension.

Recall that in a minor reshuffle earlier in February, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Although no formal explanation was provided for her replacement, it is thought that the move may not be unconnected to her suspension.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Natasha’s reinstatement, mandating her to tender an apology to the Senate for her conduct.

But the Senate maintains it is yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgement.

Natasha, on her part, is yet to tender the apology.

Politics

Ekiti 2026: SDP slams Oyebanji’s performance, APC fires back

Published

1 day ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Political temperature in Ekiti State is already heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with the opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, locked in a war of words over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.

SDP State Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele, on Thursday, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration, accusing it of underperforming in critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation.

He alleged that the governor had mismanaged public resources and failed to meet the expectations of the electorate.

“The governor is not delivering on his mandate,” Ayodele said during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. “There is little to show in terms of infrastructure. Ekiti, being an agriculturally rich state, has seen no meaningful reform to empower our youth or boost food production.”

He also accused the administration of partisan governance, claiming that employment and development initiatives are being disproportionately directed toward APC loyalists.

“Governor Oyebanji must remember he governs the entire state, not just his party,” he said, urging the administration to embrace innovation, merit, and inclusivity.

In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the SDP’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated. He described the opposition as “moribund” and its leaders as people seeking relevance ahead of the next election cycle.

“Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself,” Dipe stated. “From agriculture to infrastructure, security to tourism, the administration is making meaningful progress. Visit the rural areas, projects are ongoing. Though the rainy season may slow construction, the development efforts are visible.”

He cited the restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities and road construction projects in remote areas as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. Dipe also pointed to the governor’s high approval ratings among residents as proof of public confidence.

“The people of Ekiti know who is working for them,” The SDP’s claim that it can unseat the APC in 2026 is not only unrealistic but laughable. They lack the structure and visibility to mount a serious challenge,” he said.