Benin monarch resolves community leadership tussle
Benin monarch resolves community leadership tussle
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has resolved the leadership crisis plaguing the Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The hostility, which dates back to seven years, is about the headship of the community.
In a statement by the Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the monarch appointed Pa. Johnson Ahanor as the Odionwere of Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba and ordered Friday Eghenayariore Agho to stop parading himself as the Odionwere (Village head) of the community forthwith.
Ewuare gave the verdict after reviewing the submissions of parties at a meeting with elders of the community at the Oba’s Palace, Benin City, Edo State.
Ewuare also suspended the leader (Owere) of Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba, a sub-set of Iwebu Royal Guild in Benin, Daniel Igbinovia over alleged misconduct.
He was suspended alongside individuals deemed to have been making life unbearable for the people of the community.
The Oba restated that it was taboo in Benin for young people to preside over the affairs of villages or communities where elders exist.
Ewuare explained that age remained a major criterion to determine who becomes an Odionwere not according to hierarchical order at the elders’ council chamber, otherwise known as Ogua Edion, in villages and communities across Benin Kingdom.
He added: “I can tell you that age is a major factor in determining who becomes the Odionwere and a young man cannot claim to be the village head where there are elders in the community.”
The Oba charged elders across the various villages and communities in the Benin kingdom to align with the principles of common and shared responsibility.
In the meantime, the Odionwere of Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba, Ahanor and the Okaighele of the community, Kenneth Omoregbe, have undergone necessary traditional rites under Benin customs and tradition.
