The Benin Royal Family has announced the suspension of Professor Gregory Akenzua, an uncle to the reigning Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
This decision follows Akenzua’s legal challenge against his suspension as an enogie (duke) in the Benin kingdom.
Akenzua, along with Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen and other suspended dukes, approached the court seeking to overturn their suspension by Oba Ewuare II, asserting that such authority rests solely with the state government.
Professor Gregory Akenzua, a distinguished gynecologist, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, and ex-chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, is also the younger brother of the late Oba Erediauwa, the father of the current Oba.
At a press conference, the royal family, including descendants of former Obas Ovonramwen, Eweka, Akenzua II, and Erediauwa, emphasized that Akenzua’s actions were in direct opposition to the customs and traditions of the Benin people. The family accused Akenzua of betraying the core values of respect, devotion, and submission to the Benin traditional hierarchy.
Prince George Eweka, speaking on behalf of the royal family, stated, “Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua has chosen the path of rebellion, defying the Benin customs and tradition, and the customary hierarchy. He has wrongfully asserted himself as the Odion-Egbe of the Royal Family, a position to which he is not entitled.”
Despite multiple opportunities to rectify his actions, Akenzua allegedly continued his defiance. Consequently, the Benin Royal Family resolved to suspend him from all royal activities and interactions.
The statement declared, “Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua is hereby suspended from the Benin Royal Family for his acts of rebellion against the Benin Traditional Institution. He is no longer to participate in any activity connected with the Benin Royal Family. All members of the Royal Family are directed not to associate with him during his suspension.”
