NEWS
Oba Of Benin In Legal Turmoil Over Enigie Suspension
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, finds himself entangled in a legal dispute at the Benin City High Court, under the jurisdiction of Justice P. A. Akhihiero.
The monarch is being sued in case No. B/290OS/2023 by Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, Enigie (Dukes) of Evbo-Obanosa and Egbaen, challenging the legitimacy of their suspension from their community roles.
The lawsuit, filed by their Counsel, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, questions the Oba’s authority in taking such actions under the law.
They argue that their appointment as traditional chiefs holds official validation from the Edo State Government.
Backed by registration certificates submitted as exhibits in the lawsuit, the claimants contend that their registration aligns with Section 25(2) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, mirroring the recognition granted to other traditional rulers within the state.
In an affidavit supporting the originating summons, Akenzua claimed that the residents of the two Dukedoms were deceived into undertaking solidarity visits to the Palace of the paramount ruler in Benin. Allegedly, during these visits, they were suspended in their absence.
Citing section 28 of the State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, the claimants argue that only the State Executive Council possesses the authority to sanction them as Enigie if they are found at fault.
They contend that any deviation from this provision would constitute a usurpation of the powers vested in the State Executive Council.
The claimants refute any wrongdoing, asserting their right to freedom of speech.
They explain that they exercised this right by writing a letter to the Governor of Edo State in 2022, joined by 94 fellow Enigie.
In the letter, they urged the governor to utilize the powers vested in him by law, expressing their belief that this action would accelerate development in rural Edo State, particularly in the Edo South senatorial district.
According to the originating summons, “The two issues posed for determination by the court by the claimants are: Whether the Omo N’Oba can exercise the power to suspend a registered traditional chief, when the law vests that authority on the State Executive Committee.
“Whether the Oba of Benin has the authority to suspend them in violation of their right to fair hearing guaranteed by Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The trial judge, Justice P. A. Akhihiero, has set March 8, 2024, as the next date for mention in the case.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.
The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.
The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.
ALSO READ: Senate Approves Abe as Chairman, NUPRC Board
The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.
Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.
ALSO READ: SERAP Asks Tinubu To Probe N5.9bn Spent On NNPC Rebranding
He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.
During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”
He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.
The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.
Passengers were thrown into panic on Monday after a train operating along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed, leaving several passengers injured and disrupting services on the busy route.
The train, which was travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, reportedly failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the incident occurred along the rail line linking both cities.
According to passengers on board, the incident happened suddenly, sending shock through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.
SEE MORE: Value Creation: NCDMB to train Six Young Engineers in Electrification Interdependency
Some passengers said they heard a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden impact caused confusion inside the train compartments, with some passengers sustaining cuts and bruises after hitting seats and metal fittings.
Initial reports suggested that the Abuja-bound train might have collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to pause temporarily while authorities assessed the situation.
A source within the Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident but declined to give full details, noting that he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
One of the passengers, Sada Malumfashi, shared his experience on social media shortly after leaving the train.
He described the moment as frightening, stating that the loud sound and sudden stop caused many passengers to be flung from their seats.
He said the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly toward Kubwa, located on the outskirts of Abuja.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and said an official statement would be issued.
Authorities are yet to disclose the exact cause of the derailment or the full extent of injuries as investigations continue.
NCDMB, Renaissance Africa Train Pipeline Engineers
NLNG Inducts 103 Trainees Into Empowerment Scheme
NCDMB Sponsored Oracle Primavera P6 Training Underway In Rivers State
Senate Approves Abe as Chairman, NUPRC Board
Tinubu Swears in Taiwo Oyedele as Finance Minister
Burna Boy Breaks Record as Africa’s Top-Grossing Concert Artist
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
