Benin City – A man, identified as Austine Osaze, has been declared missing after reportedly facing threats for refusing to join the Reformed Ogboni Brotherhood, an influential secret society known for its clandestine activities. His whereabouts, along with that of his wife, Edith Osaze, remain unknown.
Austine Osaze, born on August 18, 1995, in Uwoga community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, was part of a large family with five brothers and three sisters. His life took a drastic turn after the death of his father, a dedicated member of the Reformed Ogboni Brotherhood. Following his father’s passing, his paternal uncles allegedly pressured him to take up his father’s place in the organization.
Sources close to the family indicate that Osaze resisted the pressure, refusing to be initiated despite alleged threats. Over time, the intimidation reportedly escalated, with the young man confiding in associates about receiving death threats. A chilling message directed at Osaze surfaced, warning him, “If he cannot continue where his father was in The Brotherhood Ogboni fraternity, he should better not come back home.” This has raised fears about his safety and the possibility of his being targeted for his refusal to comply.
The Reformed Ogboni Brotherhood, which presents itself as a fraternity, has long been rumored to hold significant influence in Nigerian society. Reports claim that the group engages in coercive recruitment tactics and, in some cases, threatens those who refuse to join.
Concerns about Osaze’s safety grew when he and his wife were last seen in their residence before suddenly disappearing. Since then, there has been no confirmed communication from them, and their family members have been unable to determine their location. Authorities have now declared Austine Osaze wanted, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
