The Governor of Edo state. Governor Monday Okpebholo Is said to have been silent over Nigeria supreme court order by allowing the sacked Onogie of Ewu, Prince Rasaq Ojeifo to the meeting he held with traditional rulers from Edo Central Senatorial District at Government house in Benin city recently.
The Governor had called for a meeting with traditional rulers in the state and the “ousted” Prince appeared in the full regalia to the amazement of all present.
Governor Okpebholo’s Silence on Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Debate Over Ewu Throne
Report has it that On the 19th July, 2024 Prince Rasaq Ojeifo was sacked by the Apex Court for parading himself as Onogie of Ewu in Esan Central Local Government Area while Jafaru Isesele 1 was declared the legitimate Onogie of Ewu.
In a chat with Evelyn Akpa, Journalist and human right activist, a source close to the throne hinted that at the meeting of the traditional rulers with Governor Monday Okpebholo, an objection was raised pointing to the presence of prince Rasaq Ojeifo, who has been sacked by the supreme court, but to everyones amazement, he appeared fully dressed in the regalia of an Onogie and was welcome by the Governor. The action has since been perceived by traditional heads present, As a disregard of the subsisting judgement in court that has ultimately restrained him from parading himself as the Onogie of Ewu.
The action has since left Indigenes talking, as observers and community stalwarts watch irrevocably to see how long, what has been described as “desecration” for the judgement of the highest court of the land will last.
When asked whether the Governor’s attitude was on purpose, the source did not respond in the affirmative but only stressed the need for the governor to take a decisive action on the court ruling.
“This cry is to bring the attention of the Edo state Governor to do the needful in recognizing the right person.” The source said, adding that the traditional leadership tussle has been a subject of controversy for too long and it’s high time the state put an end to the tussle.
In the wake of mounting controversy, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s silence over the Supreme Court ruling on the Onogie of Ewu has ignited widespread concern among stakeholders. The presence of the ousted Prince Rasaq Ojeifo at a government meeting—despite a court ruling barring him from parading as Onogie—has raised questions about the governor’s stance on judicial authority and traditional leadership.
Observers argue that this perceived disregard for the apex court’s verdict threatens the sanctity of the rule of law and undermines confidence in governance. As tensions escalate, indigenes and legal experts alike await a definitive response from the Edo State government, emphasizing that swift action is necessary to uphold both tradition and justice.
.. story by Akpa Evelyn Ogbene
Evelyn Akpa is a talented voice over artist, model, actress, print and broadcast journalist with over 15 years’ experience spanning print, online and television.
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