The people of Ewu in Edo State are calling on the Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Betty Otimenyin to act within her constitutional powers and give armed police protection to the bailiffs of the High Court of Edo State to enforce the Supreme Court judgment in a long-standing royal tussle to forestall imminent breakdown of law and order.
The judgment, delivered on Friday, the 19th July, 2024, affirmed the legitimacy of His Royal Highness Jafaru Isesele I as the Onogie of Ewu. Despite the clear directive from the Supreme Court, the royal throne remains occupied by an illegitimate claimant, Prince Rasak Yesufu Ojeifo.
The Edo State Police Command has allegedly failed to provide armed police protection for the execution of the judgment, after receiving the instructions in writing to that effect, prompting concerns about the command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Section 287 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, mandates the enforcement of Supreme Court decisions by all authorities and persons.
The people of Ewu are eager to see the royal blood ascend the throne of their forebears, and the Commissioner of Police has a critical role to play in making this happen.
By acting within her constitutional powers, Mrs. Betty Otimenyin should demonstrate her commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in Edo State.
Key demands of the Edo State Police Command are that it must provide armed police protection for the execution of the Supreme Court judgment. Secondly, the Commissioner of Police must act within her constitutional powers to enforce the judgment. Finally, the police must uphold the rule of law and avoid any actions that may be perceived as undermining the authority of the Supreme Court.
The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA), emphasizes the importance of speedy dispensation of justice and the protection of the rights and interests of all parties involved.
It is imperative that the Commissioner of Police and the Edo State Police Command adhere to these principles and take immediate action to enforce the Supreme Court judgment.
By acting on this judgment, Commissioner Otimenyin can demonstrate her commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in Edo State.
