BENIN CITY – The Odionwere, Elders and the people of Ovah community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State has said that the verdict of the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare ll N’ Ogidigan concerning the Odionwere title is final.
Speaking with the Nigerian Observer in the community, Pa Moses Egharevba the Odionwere of Ovah community said that the Odionwere position is not by inheritance in Ovah community and Benin Kingdom maintained that he was installed as the rightful Odionwere of Ovah community on the 3rd of September, 2016 as Oba Ewuare ll gave his final verdict on the odionwereship tussle that rocked the community.
Pa Egharevba who said that since then peace has returned to the community enjoined all indegenes of the community to close ranks and strive for greater unity of purpose noting the need for them to speak with one voice to bring development to the community.
He said that odionwereship is not by seniority but by the seating arrangement at ‘Oguedion ‘ shrine as ‘Edion ‘ and Elder maintaining that several persons has been installed as Odionwere but not by inheritance.
He said that the case contesting his position as the Odionwere has been in Okada High Court since 2012 and later transfered to Fugar High Court until 2018 judgement was delivered in his favor.
He also said that the land measuring 500ft by 500ft given to Oba Erediauwa of blessed memory at the boundary between Ogheghe village and Ovah village has been trespassed by unknown persons.
Pa Egharevba said the matter has since been brought before his Majesty Ewuare ll who sent emmisaries to investigate the issue and wondered why nothing has been heard concerning the matter.
He said that since the 33 page judgement delivered by Hon. Justice Aigbuloko Oyakhirome on the Odionwereship tussle, a perpetual injunction restraining anybody from parading himself as Odionwere of Ovah community or recognised anybody unless appointed and installed by the Elders of Ovah was also issued.
