… say Festus Edegbe is the only Okaighele we know
The people of Obagie N’Vbosa Village in Ikpoba – Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have cried out over the mayhem unleashed on them and allegedly led by the former youth Head of the Village, one Uyi Igiebor.
After the mayhem on Friday evening, November 3, 2023, they staged a peaceful protest to call on the State Government, the Oba of Benin and the security agencies on the attack.
They said a group of armed men allegedly led by Igiebor attacked the village firing indiscriminately, with not a few persons as casualty.
Igiebor was Okaighele in the village for six years before the coming of Edegbe, and now wants to again forcefully impose himself on the people, they said.
“But we are insisting he cannot be after six years and did not positively impact anyone, and the Village,” they told journalists.
Now, he is instigating a needless crisis in Obagie N’Vbosa to impose himself anyhow possible, even when Edegbe is still the Okaighele and has not been elevated into the elders Council, journalists were told.
The people reaffirmed that Festus Edegbe Ekenaye remains their Okaighele (Youth Head), saying any other person laying claim to the office is an impostor.
They carried placards with different messages; “Festus Edegbe is still our present Okaighele of Obagie N’ vbosa;
“Any other person claiming to be the Okaighele is an impostor;
“The Palace has not given any ruling on the issues brought before it – status quo remains;
“Obagie N’ vbosa is a peace loving community,” among others.
The assistant secretary – general of the Village, Iyekekpolor Aimuevbosa Julius spoke to journalists during the demonstration.
According to him, the people are demonstrating in support of Okaighele Edegbe to stop some group of persons who are trouble makers, led by Uyi Igiebor from causing unnecessary unrest in the Village.
“On Tuesday, 31 October, 2023 at the Palace of the Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II, we have been instructed on what to do in resolution of the agitation by these persons, about who should be the Okaighele.
“But to our utmost surprise, contrarily without waiting patiently for the directive of the Palace to be implemented, this group of persons have resorted to making trouble, chasing everyone with guns and other dangerous weapons.
“Let it be clear to everyone that we need peace in Obagie N’Vbosa Village and Edegbe remains the Okaighele until the Odionwere led Council of elders, elevates him.
“Which means, there has not been any swearing in and handing over.”
The women Leader of the Village, Dorcas Omoregbe also speaking said, residents – both natives and non natives never had any positive impacts from previous occupiers of the office of the Okaighele, until the coming of Edegbe.
According to her, the Odionwere of Obagie N’Vbosa had told the Palace that when it was time to elevate Okaighele Edegbe into the elders’ council, he would certainly do it. But until then, Edegbe remains the Okaighele.
Hence she frowned at those she said are making unnecessary trouble and breaching the peace of the Village for their selfish gains.
“They should and must wait, for the due process to take its legitimate course,” the women Leader said.
Various commentators poured praises on the leadership style of Okaighele Edegbe; pointing out that his tenure has particularly brought a new order of peace and quiet in Obagie N’Vbosa Village, amongst many other remarkable achievements, a departure from the inglorious past they said.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Joshua Alohan said, “Festus Edegbe Ekenaye is our Okaighele, he has positively touched the lives of majority of persons in this Village even including those who came to inhabit the land with us.
“Now, Festus Edegbe has made life comfortable to majority of us. So, I do not know why some persons in the community don’t want this progress.
“Even those who are against him have also benefitted from the massive philanthropic gesture of Festus Edegbe Ekenaye.
“Please all we need in this community is peace so, we should all come together and make Obagie N’Vbosa a better place for everyone.”
Also, the people alleged some elders who have taken bribe are supporters of Igiebor in perpetrating the illegality and crisis, in Obagie Nevbuosa community.
“Even though this is outrightly against the High court ruling which affirmed Festus Edegbe to remain the okaeghele of Obagie Nevbuosa community till the case in court is settled.”
“We are by this medium calling the the public to ignore any publication in whatever form, proclaiming Uyi Igiebor as okaeghele of Obagie Nevbuosa community.”
Meanwhile, the Odionwere and the alleged Igiebor could not be reached for reaction as all efforts to get to them was not fruitful, at the time of filing in this story.
