Oba of Benin suspends chief

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has suspended Prof Gregory Akenzua, the Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa Dukedom in Orhionmwon LGA of Edo State over allegations of leading a rebellion against the Benin throne.

Prof Akenzua’s suspension followed several complaints and protests against him by elders across the six communities in Evbuobanosa Dukedom, comprising Evbuobanosa, Abudu, Igue-Ohenza, Idu-dolor, Iru and Evbuohen.

The elders accused Akenzua of colluding with the suspended Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, of misconduct, failure to perform his duties and allegedly leading organised revolt against the Benin throne.

He was alleged to have spearheaded a group to Governor Godwin Obaseki in November, 2022, requesting the government to constitute a parallel Benin Traditional Council (BTC) for seven LGAs in Edo South, with outright disrespect and disregard to the palace, thereby fuelling agitations to balkanise Benin Kingdom.

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Addressing the elders from the affected communities in his palace at the weekend, Oba Ewuare highlighted the trust deficit in the Enogie’s fold that stirred emotions, and sued for peace and warned his subjects against violence.

He said, “I want everyone to hear this. Edo, which extends to Togo, Ghana and other parts of Africa. We are disheartened that some dukes that the palace sent to represent the throne are behaving funny.

‘Why can’t we call or invite them to answer the complaints? They have also resolved never to retrace their steps from the path of perfidy.”