Benin monarch resolves Edo community crisis, approve installation of 'Odionwere' in another

Benin, Edo – Oba of Benin Palace has resolved the leadership crisis in Ureghin village in Oba of Benin Palace of Edo State, cautioning the people to live in peace to avert the wrath of God and the ancestors.

Accordingly, the Disputes and Conflicts Resolution Committee of the Palace in Benin City reinstated Mr Osariemen Thompson Otoghile to his position as the Okaighele of Ureghin village, with a caveat to work in synergy with Mr Uyi Igbinosun, pending the appointment of a new Odionwere (village head) by the Oba of Benin.

According to a press statement by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin, Chairman of the Committee, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin Kingdom, gave the ruling after carefully reviewing various submissions of parties in the crises via a petition earlier sent to the Palace.

Chief Obamwonyi noted that Mr Otoghile’s removal by elders of the village did not follow due process, knowing that the appointment of Okaighele of a village in Benin is the prerogative of Odionwere in Benin tradition in consultation with other elders.

But, Chief Esere clarified that if the act of misconduct levelled against Mr Otoghile had been substantiated, Otoghile is liable to a fine, by elders of the village.

He explained that the allegation against Otoghile is not grievous enough to warrant his removal as Okaighele, ahead of the appointment of a new Odionwere who will either retain the Okaighele or replace him in consultation with elders of the village at the appropriate time.

The Palace cautioned the traditional Priest of Ureghin village, Mr Ukponaye Igbinovia from parading himself as the Ozukpogieva (second most-senior-elder) of village and enjoined him to adhere to his traditional assignment he overseas on behalf of the Oba of Benin, forthwith.

Similarly, the Palace also rearranged the leadership cadre of Ureghin village, making Pa. Sunday Ehiosun ― the Ozukpogieva (second most-senior-elder), while Pa. Victor Okungbowa becomes the Ozukpogieha ― (third-most-senior elder) of Ureghin village.

In line with Benin Customs and Tradition, the Palace further affirmed Pa. Sunday Ikhaese as Ozukpogiene ― (fourth-most-senior elder) alongside Pa. Benson Otoghile as the Ozukpogisen ― (fifth-most-senior elder) of Ureghin village.

Meanwhile, Ekhor-nuwaya Community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State was agog with jubilation last weekend as Pa Anthony Irogbetin Edokpayi was installed as the Odionwere.

The installation ceremony, which took place at the community’s Oguedion, was subject to an earlier approval on March 11, 2024, by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, CFR.

Speaking with journalists after the installation ceremony, Pa Anthony Irogbetin Edokpayi, who could not hide his joy, appreciated the great Oba Ewuare II for the approval for him to be installed as the Odionwere of Ekhor-nuwaya community and promised to ensure there is continuous peace that will bring about growth and development of the community.

While pledging his allegiance to the Oba, the Odionwere also promised to abide by the constitution of the Benin Traditional Council and contribute to promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Benin kingdom.

Also speaking after the installation ceremony, the secretary to the community, Comrade Nosakhare Ojo Obazee, thanked the Oba Ewuare for the approval of their Odionwere.

He said with the installation of the new Odionwere the needed peace, growth and development of the community will now take the centre stage, and urged the good people of the community to be united more than before and join the Odionwere in bringing the needed peace and development to the community.

Comrade Obazee then used the occasion to appeal to the government to help in the provision of basic amenities like health centre, school and water, adding that all they have in the community today, like the building of the school that is not yet completed, electricity, grading of roads and others, have been done through self help hence the appeal to the government.

Similarly, the former Okaighele, Mr Jacob Erhunghomona Igie, urged the indigines of the community home and abroad to come together and close ranks to support the new Odionwere in the administration of the community on behalf of the Oba for the benefit of all.

The Okaighele (youths head), Eghe Osifor, appreciated the great Oba Ewuare II for the approval and also the people of Ekhor-nuwaya for finding him worthy to be the Okaighele of the community and promised to abide by the rules and regulations laid down by the Odionwere and elders.

He also promised to work with the youths to ensure there is absolute peace, growth and development in the community and not partake in anything negative that will bring bad name to the community, and urged prospective developers to come and join in the development of the community.