The royal family appeals to the Oba of Benin to intervene in the Enogie succession dispute, citing serious threats to their lives in their plea.
The Enogie stool of Ukhiri-Eresoyen in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State has prompted members of Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen’s royal family to request the assistance from His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the reigning monarch of Benin Kingdom. Their aim is to resolve an ongoing dispute concerning their lineage’s rightful claim to it.
The family claims that Richard Omonefe has illegitimately taken control of their patriarch’s throne, putting their safety in jeopardy.
Despite being indefinitely suspended by Oba Ewuare II, Omonefe still asserts his claim as the Enogie of Ukhiri-Eresoyen, according to the royal family.
Their argument is that Omonefe lacks any valid genealogical link to their father, Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen.
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Barrister Friday Ogierkhiakhi sent a letter to the Benin monarch, requesting intervention in what he claimed was an act of usurpation by appealing for the Obs of Benin’s assistance.
The document entitled “Usurpation of Enogie Stool in Ukhiri-Eresoyen Community” details how Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen was the initial Enogie within said community, succeeded temporarily by his second son Aghan until Okundaye, Obamwonyi’s eldest surviving offspring returned to assume the role. Nevertheless, allegedly someone outside the royal lineage named Omonefe usurped this title later on.
According to Benin customs, the Enogie title can only be rightfully claimed by a descendant of Okundaye or his lineage, as emphasized by the lawyer.
His statement was that Omonefe’s appointment to the position went against tradition, as certain groups helped Omonefe maintain authority over the throne.
According to the family, Omonefe’s eldest son, who took over his position after his death, has also died. Now, they claim that Omonefe’s younger son Ogunbor is unlawfully holding onto the title and this ongoing situation is violating their lawful entitlements.
In the letter, it was requested of Oba Ewuare II that he reinstates the Enogie title to its rightful descendant – Obamwonyi Eresoyen. More specifically, Osaze Nowan Okoro was named as the legitimate successor for this position on the throne.
Richard Omonefe acknowledged the allegations and stated that they had discussed the succession matter before. However, he emphasized that his suspension by the Oba disrupted any possible resolution along with other Enigies.
He refuted any association with the present dispute by stating that since his suspension, he has not portrayed himself as Enogie.
Omonefe denied accusations of endangering the lives of Prince Obamwonyi’s offspring.
The Oba of Benin is expected to provide a quick and fair solution that meets the expectations of the royal family.
