Oba of Benin removes uncle from position as traditional head of state due to reported insurrection

The suspension of Professor Gregory Akenzua as the Enogie (Duke) of the Evbuobanosa Dukedom in the Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo was approved on Sunday by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

According to PlatinumPost, the late Benin ruler Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, whose father is the current king, had a younger brother named Akenzua.

According to a statement from Mr. Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the palace has suspended Akenzua as Enogie amid claims that he had led a revolt against the Benin kingdom.

According to the statement, “Elders from six villages in the Evbuobanosa Dukedom lodged many complaints and protests against the Enogie, leading to his suspension.”

Evbuobanosa, Abudu, Igue-Ohenza, Idu-Dolor, Iru, and Evbuohen were among them.

According to the statement, the Enogie’s suspension as a result of his reluctance to listen to his fellow Enigies’ plea to apologise to the Royal Father was supported by the palace.

The elders “indicted Professor Akenzua for collaborating with the suspended Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, of misbehaviour, failure to discharge his responsibilities, and accusation of an attempted plot to organise a mutiny against the Benin kingdom,” according to the statement.

It claimed that in November 2022, Prof. Akenzua reportedly led a team from Enigie to the governor of Edo, Godwin Obaseki.

The delegation, according to the statement, visited the governor and asked him to create a parallel Benin Traditional Council (BTC) for seven local government areas in the Edo South Senatorial District. By doing this, they showed blatant disrespect for the palace and fueled efforts to divide the Benin Kingdom.

Speaking to community elders at the weekend at his palace, Oba Ewuare II emphasised the lack of trust among the Enogie’s flock, which sparked feelings that defied reason.
“I want everyone to know that some of the Dukes the Palace dispatched to represent the throne are acting strangely,” said the speaker.

Why aren’t we able to call them or ask them to respond to the complaints? They have also vowed never to return to the perfidy-filled road, according to Oba Ewuare II.

Everything that has been stated has been heard, elders.
“Take care of the region. Avoid conflict. Let no one argue, fight, or entertain a difference of opinion or division among you.

Prior to this, representatives from the several villages expressed their displeasure to the Oba’s palace and urged Oba Ewuare to punish Prof. Akenzua for his insubordination and customary obligations.