By Eben Enasco
The Benin Royal Family has suspended Professor Gregory Akenzua, the Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa, a territory of the Great Benin Kingdom from the family for what they considered acts of rebellion against the Benin Traditional institution.
Prince George Eweka, a member of the Benin Royal Family, made the pronouncement while addressing journalists in Benin City today, in a readout statement that highlighted Professor Akenzua’s alleged rebellious acts against the Benin Monarchy.
This development follows Professor Akenzua’s decision to institute a court case against the current Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, for suspending him from his duties as a Duke.
Prince Eweka explained that despite being given numerous opportunities to retrace his steps and take the path of dignity, Professor Akenzua failed to do so, leading to the Royal Family’s suspension action.
According to Prince George Eweka, the Oba of Benin holds a unique position as the father of every member of the Benin Royal Family, regardless of age.
He said, as such, he does not practice Okaegbe family hierarchy, like other families in the Benin Kingdom, but rather Odion Egbe, which requires him to defer to His Royal Majesty.
Professor Akenzua was accused of holding secret meetings to assert himself as a leader, despite knowing he was not rightfully entitled to do so, he noted.
According to him, Professor Akenzua “has chosen to challenge the Benin Traditional institution through acts that are utterly at variance with the customs and tradition of the Benin people and the core values of the Benin Royal family.
“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 Royal family does not have an Okaegbe, like other families in Benin Kingdom, but Odion-Egbe which is required by tradition to defer to His Riyal 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 Gregiry Idurobo 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.”
The royal family members have been urged not to engage with him for the duration of his suspension.
Contacted via phone, Prof Akenzua said he doubted the caliber of persons that came for the briefing, but however said he was yet to study the position statement by “the so-called family members,” promising to address the press at the appropriate time.
