By Abiola Olawale
The ongoing dispute within the Benin Royal Family has continued to take different twists and turns.
This is as the Benin Royal Family, on Monday, May 27, announced the total suspension of one of its members, Professor Gregory Akenzua, for allegedly going against the Benin Traditional Institution.
Akenzua, an uncle to the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, had initially been suspended as the Enogie (Duke) of the Evbo-Obanosa community in Orhiomwon local government area of Edo State.
However, addressing a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Benin City, on behalf of other members of the Royal family, Prince George Eweka said Akenzua “has been parading himself” as the Odion Egbe of the Royal Family, and participating in the activities of the Royal Family.
Prince Eweka said Akenzua, against all entreaties, chose to challenge the Benin Traditional Institution through his acts that are utterly at variance with the customs and traditions of the Benin people and the core values of the Benin Royal Family.
He advised all members of the Royal Family to stop any dealings with Akenzua, as directed.
He said: “Professor Akenzua has betrayed the core values of respect for the Benin customs and tradition; devotion and submission to the customary hierarchy of the Benin Kingdom; and respect for the customary arbitration process. Instead, he chose the path of rebellion.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the royal family wishes to emphasise that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, occupies a unique position as the father of every member of the Benin Royal Family irrespective of age.
“Hence the Foyal Family doesn’t have an Okaegbe, like other families in Benin Kingdom, but Odion Egbe, who is required by tradition to defer to His Royal Majesty.
“The royal family also notes that in utter violation of the hierarchy of succession to the Odion Egbe position of the Benin Royal Family, Professor Akenzua has been parading himself as the Odion Egbe of the royal family, and has held meetings to assert himself as such when he knows that he is not rightfully entitled to the position being far lower in the hierarchy of seniority in the Benin Royal Family.
“The Benin Royal Family has given ample opportunities to Professor Akenzua to retrace his steps and return to the path of honour and dignity. He has snubbed and rejected the opportunities provided by the royal family for him to retrace his wrongful steps.
“Acting on these facts, Professor Akenzua was suspended and is no longer to participate in any activity connected to the Benjn Royal Family.”
It would be recalled that the ongoing dispute started when the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, suspended two Enigie, Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen.
The two Dukes had, in turn, dragged the revered Monarch to court, challenging their suspension. The suspended Enigie claimed that it was only the State Governor and not the Monarch, that could remove them from their positions.
The Monarch suspended the two Enigie over alleged failure to perform their duties and allegedly leading an organised revolt against the Benin throne.
