The face-off between Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki and Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, over the return of stolen artefacts and balkanisation of Benin Kingdom deepened on Monday with the Benin Royal Family suspending one of the Enigie (Dukes), Prof. Gregeory Akenzua.

Akenzua, a Professor of Gynecology, who is an ex-Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and former Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, is a younger brother to Oba Erediauwa, the father of the reigning Oba of Benin.

Members of the Benin royal family, consisting of the descendants of Oba Ovonramwen, Oba Eweka, Oba Akenzua II, Oba Erediauwa and others, told reporters in Benin, that Prof. Akenzua, against all entreaties, chose to challenge the Benin traditional institution in court contrary to Benin customs and tradition, as well as the core values of the Benin royal family.

The Benin royal family, through its leader, Prince George Eweka, said: “Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua 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 customary arbitration process. Instead, he chose the path of rebellion.

“The Oba of Benin occupies a unique position as the father of every member of the Benin Royal Family, irrespective of age. We gave ample opportunities to Prof. Akenzua to retrace his steps, and return to the path of honour and dignity, but he rejected the offers.

“After a careful review of the facts, the Benin Royal Family has decided to suspend Prof. Akenzua from the Benin Royal Family, for his acts of rebellion against the Benin Traditional Institution, and he is no longer to participate in any activity connected with the Benin Royal Family.

“All members of the Benin Royal Family are strongly directed not to relate, associate or engage with Prof. Akenzua, for as long as he remains suspended from the Benin Royal Family.”

When contacted, Akenzua told The Nation he was in Lagos for an  engagement.

The suspended Enigie (Dukes) of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin kingdom, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen respectively, on behalf of others, challenged in court their 2023 suspension by Benin Traditional Council (BTC).

The suit came up for hearing on May 9 at Edo High Court, Benin, presided over by Justice Peter Akhihiero, who adjourned hearing in the matter till July 15, 2024.

Obaseki, who encouraged having BTCs in each of the seven local government areas of Benin kingdom in Edo South instead of the age-long tradition of having Oba of Benin as the overall head, is indirectly seeking out-of-court settlement.

(The Nation)