The Edo State High Court has issued a landmark judgment barring the installation of any Eze Ndigbo or parallel traditional ruler within Edo State. The ruling, delivered in Benin City, has reaffirmed the authority of the state’s indigenous traditional institutions and their exclusive right to regulate cultural leadership within their jurisdiction.

The case, which has spanned more than a decade of legal proceedings, was filed by the Edo Arts and Cultural Heritage Institute against a group of individuals identifying as Eze Ndigbo in Edo State.

The plaintiffs argued that the move to create or install a parallel traditional leader under the title of “Eze Ndigbo” in Benin or other parts of Edo State violates the customs, traditions, and laws governing traditional institutions in the region.

⚖️ Court Upholds Edo’s Cultural Sovereignty

In the judgment delivered by Honourable Justice A.N. Erhabor of the Civil High Court, Sapele Road, Benin City, the court ruled in favour of the Edo Arts and Cultural Heritage Institute, restraining the defendants from proceeding with any installation or public recognition of an Eze Ndigbo in the state.

Justice Erhabor noted that Edo State operates under a defined traditional hierarchy, headed by the revered Oba of Benin, and that the attempt to create a separate monarchy or kingship structure under a non-indigenous title contravenes established cultural and administrative protocols.

The ruling effectively nullifies any claim to kingship or traditional rulership by individuals or groups not recognized under the Edo State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.

🏛️ Background of the Case

The legal battle traces back over ten years, when the Edo Arts and Cultural Heritage Institute, along with other cultural advocates, challenged attempts by certain groups to install an Eze Ndigbo within Benin City and other parts of Edo State.

The institute argued that such an act would create confusion and dual authority within the state’s traditional framework — a system historically unified under the Benin Kingdom.

Their legal counsel maintained that while ethnic communities have the right to form socio-cultural associations, no group has the authority to install a monarch-like figure within Edo’s jurisdiction.

Over the years, several similar attempts to establish “Eze” titles across various communities in the South-South have met resistance from indigenous cultural and traditional councils, who see it as an erosion of local sovereignty.

🗣️ Reactions Trail the Ruling

Following the court’s decision, cultural leaders, historians, and civic organizations across Edo State have hailed the judgment as a victory for heritage preservation and unity.

A representative of the Edo Arts and Cultural Heritage Institute expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a defining moment for cultural identity and respect for the Benin monarchy.

“This judgment is not against any ethnic group or individual. It is simply a reminder that traditional structures must respect the laws and customs of the host communities,” the spokesperson said.

Residents and observers on social media have also reacted, with many praising the judiciary for upholding Edo’s long-standing cultural hierarchy, while others called for dialogue and peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups living in the state.

🪶 Cultural Implications and Broader Context

The ruling has once again brought attention to the delicate balance between cultural coexistence and indigenous sovereignty in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic landscape.

While many Nigerian states host diverse ethnic groups, most maintain a single, constitutionally recognized traditional authority.
In Edo, the Oba of Benin remains the supreme custodian of tradition and cultural affairs — a position with centuries of historical and spiritual significance.

Legal experts note that the decision could set a precedent for similar cases across other states, reinforcing the importance of cultural laws and curbing the proliferation of unrecognized traditional titles.

🔍 Conclusion

With this ruling, the Edo State High Court has drawn a clear legal boundary protecting the authenticity of Edo’s traditional structure and discouraging unauthorized cultural installations.

The judgment not only strengthens the authority of the Benin Kingdom and Edo State traditional council but also serves as a reminder of the need for mutual respect and harmony among Nigeria’s diverse cultural groups.