Oba of Benin suspends Enogie of Evbuobanosa Dukedom Akenzua
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has approved the suspension from duty of Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa Dukedom in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, for allegedly leading rebellion against the first-class monarch.
Enogie’s suspension, according to the king’s Chief Press Secretary, Iguobaro Osaigbovo, 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.
Akenzua’s onslaught, according to the CPS, 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.
Source; The Nation, April 2, 2023
