On 5th April 1933, he was crowned as king with the title of Oba Akenzua the second. He was installed by Lt. Gov. Buchana Smith.
The onset of Akenzua's reign was the time the first generation of Benin educated elites were at their prime. Their political activism was noticeable both on national and local issues. With this in mind, Akenzua had an enlighten subjects to deal with. He, an alumnus of Kings college, Lagos was well prepared for the challenges.
Before his ascension, challenge from his half-brother Awaguore as th right person to the throne was thrown off now after monetory compensation to offset his legal cost was paid.
The monach was faced with a lot of petitions from the intellectual class almost on all issues. Notable were the issues of Sole Native Authority System, the Building Rule Crises of 1940/1941 and the Iyase Title Tangle of the late 40s.