Members of the royal family of Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen, the first Enogie of Ukhiri-Eresoyen in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have called on His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin Kingdom, to intervene in an ongoing dispute over the Enogie stool.
The family alleges that one Richard Omonefe has unlawfully taken over their father’s throne and that their lives are now under threat.
The royal family claims that despite Omonefe being among the Enigies indefinitely suspended by Oba Ewuare II, he continues to claim the title of Enogie of Ukhiri-Eresoyen.
They argue that Omonefe has no legitimate genealogical connection to their father, Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen.
In a letter addressed to the Benin monarch, the family’s lawyer, Barrister Friday Ogierkhiakhi, appealed for the Obs of Benin’s intervention in the alleged usurpation.
The letter, titled “A Case of Usurpation of Enogie Stool in Ukhiri-Eresoyen Community”, outlines that Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen was the first Enogie of the community. Upon his passing, his second son Aghan temporarily assumed the title until Okundaye, Obamwonyi’s eldest surviving son, returned to the community. However, the title was later allegedly usurped by Omonefe, who is reportedly not of the royal bloodline.
The lawyer emphasized that, according to Benin customs, only a descendant of Okundaye or his lineage has the right to the Enogie title.
He stated that Omonefe’s assumption of the position violated this custom, with Omonefe being aided by certain factions to perpetuate control over the throne.
The family further noted that Omonefe’s son, who initially succeeded him, has passed away, leaving Omonefe’s younger son, Ogunbor, to maintain the position unlawfully. This has, according to the family, continued to infringe on their legitimate rights.
The letter appealed to Oba Ewuare II to restore the Enogie title to a rightful descendant of Obamwonyi Eresoyen, specifically naming Osaze Nowan Okoro as the legitimate heir to the throne.
In response to the allegations, Richard Omonefe admitted that the succession issue had been previously addressed, but he pointed out that his suspension by the Oba, alongside other Enigies, had halted any resolution.
He denied any involvement in the current controversy, stating that he has not paraded himself as Enogie since his suspension.
Omonefe also refuted allegations of threats to the lives of Prince Obamwonyi’s descendants.
The royal family is now hoping for a swift and just resolution from the Oba of Benin.
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