The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has stated that it has no disagreements with Benin’s Oba Ewuare II.
It stated that it had never overstepped the Benin monarch’s jurisdiction.
Olayiwola Afolabi, counsel for MOWAA, spoke in Benin City following the hearing of the lawsuit filed by Chief Osaro Idah (the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom), the Ogbakha-Edo, and the Aiguobasimwin Movement, according to The Nation.
The petition asks the court to stop what the claimants describe as an illegal, offensive, and destabilizing endeavor to undermine the Oba of Benin’s hallowed authority.
He stated that the defendants filed a preliminary objection, claiming that Chief Idah lacked the locus standi to institute the action.
According to Afolabi, MOWAA filed a counter affidavit claiming that it is not battling the Oba of Benin.
He claims that “no one is fighting the Oba.” We have our own jurisdiction. We are not encroaching on the Oba’s jurisdiction.
“Given the gravity of the case and the belief that it will affect the interests of Benin and everyone, the lawyers agree that we should meet to discuss the possibility of ironing out some of the concerns and, if necessary, resolving them. We agree to return in February.
On MOWAA’s reluctance to appear before the Edo Assembly Investigative Committee, Afolabi stated that the court’s judgment superseded any Assembly recommendations.
“The law is clear. One of the Assembly’s members has sued MOWAA. There is no need to appear before the Assembly Committee. There are divisions of powers. Whatever they do, the court will continue to impose sanctions. The Assembly cannot sit on a case that is currently in court.
We attach the processes and serve them. The House of Assembly is not a court of law. Given that the Federal High Court is hearing the matter, can the same Assembly, which has lawyers advising them, nevertheless state it wants to proceed with the hearing?
“My client is unable to appear before the Assembly.”
“They can render their decision. Whatever they give is still up to the court. They can only provide recommendations at best.
“It is preferable if the situation be resolved amicably. There is no reason for conflict in Edo over MOWAA. It is for the advantage of all. It is a multimillion-dollar enterprise. This is why we should meet to discuss and resolve any ambiguities.”
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