The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa Dukedom in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, for allegedly leading a rebellion against the first-class monarch.
The king’s Chief Press Secretary, Iguobaro Osaigbovo, who disclosed this said Enogie’s suspension arose from many complaints and protests against him by elders across the six communities in Evbuobanosa Dukedom, comprising Evbuobanosa, Abudu, Igue-Ohenza, Idu-dolor, Iru, and Evbuohen, to Oba’s palace in Benin, Edo State.
The elders indicted Akenzua for colluding with the suspended Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, misconduct, failure to perform his duties, and allegedly leading organised revolt against the Benin throne.
According to the CPS, Akenzua’s onslaught reached a tipping point after he allegedly reported the Oba of Benin to Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in November 2022, requesting the government to constitute a parallel Benin Traditional Council (BTC) for seven local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District, with outright disrespect and disregard to the palace, thereby fuelling agitations to balkanise Benin Kingdom.
The Benin monarch, while addressing the elders from the communities in his palace, highlighted the trust deficit among the Enogie’s fold that stirred emotions that transcend logic, thereby suing for peace and warned the rural dwellers against violence.
He said: “I want everyone to hear this, Edo extends to Togo, Ghana and other parts of the Africa. We are disheartened that some Dukes that the palace sent to represent the throne are misbehaving.
‘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.
“Elders, you have all heard all that have been said. Endeavour to assist leaders in the areas. Look after the areas. Do not fight. Do not allow anyone to fight or quarrel or entertain any form of disagreement or division among you”.
Spokespersons from the communities conveyed their sincere regrets to the Oba of Benin, urging him to strip Akenzua of traditional duties over abuse of office and insubordination.
One of the elders from Evbuobanosa, Osagie Osaigbovo, who read the protest letter written by elders of his community to the palace, pleaded with the Benin monarch to grant their request for leadership change, having lost confidence in the ability of Akenzua in administering the affairs of the communities.
The protesters also alleged the suspended Enogie of Evbuobanosa was not always in his community, which ought to be his primary assignment, thereby declaring him unfit, having betrayed the Oba of Benin.
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