Oba of Benin Resolves 7-year-Old Communal Crises

By Idahosa Musa

The Benin Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II, has resolved the leadership crises plaguing Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, seven years after the hostility began.

This followed the appointment of Pa. Johnson Ahanor, as the head (Odionwere) by the monarch who also warned one of the dissidents of the community to stop parading himself as the Odionwere forthwith.

Oba Ewuare II gave the verdict after reviewing the submissions of parties in the dispute during a meeting with elders of the Community in his Palace, Benin City.

Oba Ewuare II also suspended and reprimanded the leader (Owere) of Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba, a sub-set of Iwebu Royal Guild in Benin, Pa Daniel Ewemade Igbinovia over alleged misconduct along with a few recalcitrant individuals who have made life unbearable for the people in the Community.

The first-class traditional ruler reaffirmed that it is a taboo in Benin for young people to preside over the affairs of Villages or Communities where older elders exist.

He explained that age remains one of the major criteria that is used to determine an Odionwere, not according to hierarchical order at elders Council chamber otherwise known as Ogua Edion in Villages and Communities across Benin Kingdom.

The Royal personage charged elders across the various Villages and Communities in Benin Kingdom to take their place in society in line with the principles of common and shared responsibility.

In the meantime, the Odionwere of Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba, Pa. Ahanor and the Okaighele of the Community, Kenneth Omoregbe, have undergone the necessary traditional rites in accordance with the Benin Customs and tradition.