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The Court of Appeal in Benin City, yesterday, refused to hear a motion by counsel to one Rich Arisco-Osemwingie, who proclaimed himself the Ogiamien of Utantan nation.
The motion aimed to stop the installation of the new Oba of Benin, Crown Prince Ehenede Erediauwa, slated for October 20.
Counsel to Arisco-Osemwengie and others, G.E. Oaikhena Esq, informed the court of his application, seeking an injunction to stop the installation on the ground that the re-enactment of the Ekiagbado Treaty, which they claimed the Ogiamien family had with the palace was not included in the programme of event for the installation.
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Counsel to the Governor of Edo State and others, Austin Alegeh, Chief Charles Uwensuyi Edosomwan, Omoruyi Omonuwa, informed the court that it had earlier ordered that all intending motions be heard as part of the main appeal and therefore such motion could not be heard.
Justice Olukayode Baba ruled: “The court is reserving judgment on the substantive appeal, and I advise all parties to maintain the status quo until judgment is given on the appeal.”
It would be recalled that the Edo State government had filed a criminal charge against Arisco-Osemwengie and others after he caused some persons to make him the Ogiamien of Utantan. An action the state government described as an attempt to usurp the powers of the Oba of Benin.
