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Royal Tussle: Prof. Akenzua Suspended From Benin Royal Family

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The Benin royal family has announced the suspension of the embattled Professor Gregeory Akenzua from the royal family.

Prof. Akenzua is one of the suspended enigies (dukes) in the kingdom.

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The Benin royal family wielded the big stick on the Enegie following his legal tussle alongside other dukes with the Oba of Benin.

Prof. Akenzua and other Enigie had taken the Oba of Benin to court challenging their suspension as enigie in the kingdom.

Professor Gregory Akenzua, a professor of Gynaecology, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin and former chairman Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma is a younger brother to Oba Erediauwa, the father of Oba Ewuare II.

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READ ALSO: Drug Trafficking Trial: Court Grants Abba Kyari 2 Weeks Bail

Addressing a press conference, members of the royal family said Professor Akenzua against all entreaties had chosen to challenge the Benin Traditional Institution through his acts “that are utterly at variance with the customs and tradition of the Benin people, and the core values of the Benin Royal Family.”

The press statement read on behalf of the royal family by Prince George Eweka said: “Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua, has 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 has chosen the path of rebellion;

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“For the avoidance of doubt, the Royal Family wishes to emphasize that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin occupies a unique position as the father of every member of the Benin Royal Family irrespective of age. Hence the Royal family does not have an Okaegbe, like other families in Benin Kingdom but Odion Egbe who is required by tradition to defer to His Royal Majesty;

“The Royal Family also notes that in utter violation of the hierarchy of succession to the Odion-Egbe position of the Benin Royal Family, Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua has been parading himself as the Odion-Egbe of the Royal Family,and has held meetings to assert himself as such when he knows that he is not rightfully entitled to the position being far lower in the hierarchy of seniority in the Benin Royal Family;

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“The Benin Royal Family has given ample opportunities to Prof.Gregory Idurobo Akenzua to retrace his steps and return to the path of honour and dignity;

“Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua has snubbed and rejected the opportunities provided by the Royal Family for him to retrace his wrongful steps.

“After a careful review of the facts, the Benin Royal Family has decided as follows:

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“Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua is hereby suspended from the Benin Royal Family for his acts of rebellion against the Benin Traditional Institution;

“Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua 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 Professor Gregory Idurobo Akenzua for as long as he remains suspended from the Benin Royal Family.”

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Contacted for his reaction, Professor Akenzua said he was in Lagos “for an engagement” and requested time.

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Malnutrition: Bauchi Govt Doles Out N300m To Fight Menace

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The Bauchi state government released the sum of N300 million as contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) in order to combat malnutrition in under 5 children in the state.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, the Chief of Field Office, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, stated this during an interaction with Journalists on Wednesday in Bauchi.

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According to her, the money was a contribution of Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state and the 20 Local Government Chairmen in the state.

She explained that the money released to the CNF is part of the deliberate efforts to eradicate severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children U-5 in Bauchi state.

READ ALSO: UNICEF Urges Women To Breastfeed Babies Within One Hour Of Birth, Warns Against Breastmilk Substitutes Usage

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UNICEF would also provide a matching sum of N300 million, bringing the total intervention fund to N600m for the procurement of the foods and other items required for the fight against malnutrition.”

The UNICEF boss said, the release of the fund sequel to the familiarisation visit of the new UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, to the Bauchi State Governor.

We are grateful to the Governor of Bauchi State for releasing the promised N200m to UNICEF.

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“We also appreciate the Association of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), Bauchi state chapter for the N100 million it released for the programme, making a total of N300m.

“This is a great milestone in our advocacy efforts. UNICEF will match the same amount, which will significantly help in tackling malnutrition in the state,” she stressed.

READ ALSO:UNICEF Urges Women To Breastfeed Babies Within One Hour Of Birth, Warns Against Breastmilk Substitutes Usage

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Rafique further said that the Governor had promised to increase the State’s contribution to N1bn next year, which UNICEF also pledged to match.

She however, emphasised the need for long-term strategies, including behavioural change and local solutions to prevent malnutrition, adding that it is easier and better to prevent than to fight it.

She noted that UNICEF’s focus was not only on treatment but also on promoting proper child feeding practices and maternal care from conception through the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

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She also called on Journalists in the state not to relent in the partnership with UNICEF in the bid to create a healthy environment for children and women.

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FG Declares Public Holiday For Eid-ul-Mawlid

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

The statement was issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

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The government congratulated Muslims across the country and in the diaspora on the occasion, urging them to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion.

The statement also encouraged Nigerians of all faiths to use the celebration to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country, while supporting government’s efforts to strengthen national unity and foster development.

READ ALSO:Lagos Declares Holiday For Isese Festival

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The Minister of Interior wishes Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.

“The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity,” the statement added.

The government appealed to citizens to remain law-abiding and security conscious while supporting its policies aimed at promoting national unity and sustainable development.

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READ ALSO:Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday

Eid-ul-Mawlid, observed in the third month of the Islamic calendar (Rabi’ al-Awwal), commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It is marked with prayers, lectures, processions, and acts of charity.

In Nigeria, the day is recognised as a national public holiday, reflecting the country’s large Muslim population and long-standing tradition of observing major Islamic festivals.

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The holiday is often used by religious leaders and government officials to call for peace and unity, particularly at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with security and economic challenges.

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20-year-old TikToker Peller Buys N350m Lekki Mansion, Promises To Reveal Secret Benefactors

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TikTok influencer Habeeb Hazmat, popularly known as Peller, has announced the purchase of a luxurious N350 million mansion located on Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos.

The 20-year-old influencer revealed the news during a live session with fellow creator Sandra Benede, expressing excitement about his new home.

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He also shared the update on Instagram with the caption, “Look at me. God has been so good to me, and I’m so grateful to God and my fans all around the world. Congratulations to me. Finally got a place where I can be loud without landlord wahala.”

READ ALSO:BEDC Sets To Construct 33KV Line From Okpella To Igarra In Edo

Peller disclosed that he intends to move into the mansion by October 2025. While acknowledging his TikTok earnings, he clarified that the property wasn’t funded solely by his content creation income.

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According to him, several wealthy individuals frequently send him large sums of money while insisting on anonymity.

I don’t want people to say it’s TikTok money alone. Some big people dey enter my DM to say, ‘Peller send account.’ They’ll send me money and tell me not to mention their names. But once my house is fully ready, I’ll mention names,” he said.

 

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