Oba of Benin's uncle Edun Akenzua dies at 87

Oba of Benin's uncle Edun Akenzua dies at 87

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has lost his uncle, His Royal Highness (HRH), Enogie Edun Agharese Akenzua.

He died at 87 years of age.

Akenzua who was the Enogie (Duke) of Obazuwa-Iko, was a younger brother of the immediate past Oba of Benin and father of Oba Ewuare II.

He was a renowned journalist and pioneer Editor of Nigerian Observer, established in 1968 by the then military administration of Brigadier Samuel Ogbemudia of Bendel State.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserate with the Benin Royal family, the people of Obazuwa-Iko Dukedom, over the passing of the Royal Father.

Obaseki, in a statement on Wednesday, described the late Enogie as a walking library and one of Nigeria’s brightest journalists.

“A royalty per excellence, Enogie Akenzua was an inimitable blue-blood, filled with wisdom, wit and courage. He loomed large and lived a life dedicated to upholding truth, Benin values and promoting communal integration.

“Enogie Akenzua lived an illustrious life as one of Nigeria’s brightest journalists, a walking library of sorts, who provided unparalleled insight on Benin history, providing incisive and convincing explanations on thorny issues that confounded many about the kingdom and the Nigerian nation.

“A fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), he was cerebral in his engagements, deploying his deep knowledge and wisdom in conversations about Nigeria’s past, present and future,” he said.

The Governor further noted that during Enogie Akenzua’s reign, Obazuwa Dukedom recorded unprecedented growth and development as it attracted new investments while existing investors grew their assets owing to the duke’s open-mindedness and welcoming mien.

Obaseki said: “He was respected by his subjects, who sought wise counsel from him, even as he was involved in many noble causes, making immense contributions to the campaign for the return of stolen Benin artefacts.

“Enogie Akenzua would be remembered for his commitment to the truth, uncommon candor, love for his people and dedication to the restoration of the dignity of man.

“I commiserate with the Benin Royal family, the people of Obazuwa-Iko dukedom and associates of Enogie Akenzua, and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.”