The Benin Kingdom is witnessing an unprecedented royal shake-up as Oba Ewuare II has suspended 67 Enigie (dukes) over alleged acts of rebellion against the palace and traditional authority.
The announcement, made by the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, on Friday, confirmed that the affected Enigie were found guilty of “anti-palace and rebellious activities.”
This move has intensified a brewing dispute between the traditional institution and some of the suspended chiefs, including Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, who had earlier challenged their suspension in court. They argue that the Oba lacks the legal authority to remove them under the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.
As the kingdom navigates this crisis, the situation raises critical questions about the evolving role of traditional institutions in modern governance and the delicate balance between culture, law, and power.
