MEMBERS of the Benin Royal Family family, comprising of the Descendants of Oba Ovonramwen, Oba Eweka, Oba Akenzua II, Oba Erediauwa and others, on Monday ostracised one of their own, Prof. Gregeory Akenzua.
Akenzua, a Professor of Gynecology, 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 of the royal blood, a younger brother to Oba Erediauwa, the father of the reigning Oba of Benin.
He is the Enigie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa earlier suspended by the Palace of the Oba of Benin along with another Enigie (Duke) of Egbaen Siluko, Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen for allegedly challenging the authority and supremacy of the Oba of Benin, even dragging him (Oba) to court.
The lingering crisis between these two Enigie (Dukes) which Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki waded in to broker peace but met a brick wall came to a head yesterday (Monday) when the members of Benin Royal Family also dropped the sledgehammer on Prof Akenzua.
Speaking through its leader, Prince George Eweka, the Royal Family said that “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”.
*Source: The Nation Newspaper
