Gov. Oshiomhole

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, has described the suspension of the Onojie of Uromi, HRH, Anselm Aidenojie II, by the state government as “senseless, unconstitutional and anti-people.”

This is even as the suspended Monarch has declined to comment on his suspension, saying that his subjects will take a decision on the issue.

Chief Orbih who is the Esama of Uromi kingdom while speaking to journalists on phone, said the action of the governor was a “is a clear manifestation of what I said at that time.

“What Oshiomhole must come to terms with is that he has no power under our constitution and law to take the action he has just taken.

“If anybody for any reason was accosted by the Onojie, the rightful place to report is the police station and the rightful thing for the police as an institution to do if they found any truth, is to take it to a court of law.”

It would be recalled that Edo state government had in a press statement issued on Thursday, suspended the Uromi Monarch for allegedly assaulting one Mrs. Betty Okoebor on September 28, 2016, during the gubernatorial election in the state.

The statement said in part:
“Your unprovoked attack, inflicting grievous bodily harm on one Mrs Betty Okoebor on September 28, 2016 in full public glare to the embarrassment of those present and causing disgrace to your otherwise esteemed office;

“Your refusal, even after two weeks, to respond to a query issued by the appropriate authority within the stipulated 72 hours demonstrating total disregard and disrespect for constituted authority;

“Travelling outside the country without appropriate permission is further demonstration of your disregard for extant regulations and laws.”

The government further threatened: ” If within the said 7 days no public apology is tendered by your very self, you will stand deposed as the Onojie of Uromi.”

The Onojie who spoke to journalists on the phone, said his subjects will soon take a decision on the matter.

It was gathered that palace chiefs, businessmen and politicians from the kingdom have scheduled a meeting to deliberate on the matter.

Palace sources however said they were saddened over the reported suspension of their traditional ruler.