The Delta State House of Assembly has adjourned indefinitely, a public hearing on a bill to amend the State Traditional Rulers Council and Chief law of the state following a court injunction.
The hearing was adjourned as a result of the court order restraining further deliberation on the amendment bill pending determination of a motion on notice on the matter of which the Delta State House of Assembly have been served.
The Chairman and members of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs were seated to commenced the public hearing on the bill when one of the participants raised a point of order; and informed the legislators that there was a court injunction restraining the house from further deliberation on the bill.
A copy of the court order was made available to the Committee Chairman, Hon Felix Anira, who after due consultations, directed that the public hearing be adjourned indefinitely in respect of the court order.
Hon Anira who represents Sapele Constituency in the House, explained that the Delta State House of Assembly is a Law abiding institution, therefore cannot contravene the order.
Hon Anira however sued for peace among the parties contesting conferment of clanship status on Beneku, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, of which the amendment bill seeks to provide.
The Lawmaker, with total support of the members of the committee emphasized that they will always be guided by the law.
A copy of the court order made available to newsmen indicated that a State High Court sitting in Ozoro, has granted an order restraining the State Government from conferring the status of clan-ship on Beneku, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The claimants in the Enrollment of Order, argued that Beneku is part of Umusadege-Ogbe community, Utagba-Ogbe kingdom in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.
They also sought an order restraining the Delta State House of Assembly from debating or processing the Executive Bill sent to it by the Delta State Governor seeking to confer clanship status and installing a king at Beneku.
The Umusadege-Ogbe community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area had led a peaceful protest to the state House of Assembly against the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs law amendment bill currently before the House.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori who addressed the people urged for peace and due process.
The Bill which had passed second reading on the floor of the house makes provision to include Beneku Community as a clan and to establish a throne for a king which would be known as the Idem of Beneku Kingdom.