… say those behind allegations are not from Isiukhukhu nor Ekowe
People of Ekowe village, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have debunked media report that some Palace Chiefs assigned to wade into the boundary dispute between Ekowe and Isiukhukhu villages were attacked by armed youths from Ekowe.
Reacting to the media report, the Ozukpogieva, Mr Emmanuel Igbinosun, said the people of Ekowe and Isiukhukhu villages have been having boundary disputes which resulted in a complaint being lodged at the Oba Palace and the Oba graciously ruled on the dispute and they have been living peacefully ever since.
“The Oba is a father to us all and our god king and there is no way any emissaries sent by the Oba will be attacked by the people of Ekowe or not obey what our Oba says,” he said.
He said on the alleged attack by the Okaighele and youths from the village is a false alarm and a way to wipe up sentiments, adding that on the said day they alleged they were attacked by the Okaighele and youths from the village they were all at the Odionwere’s house holding a meeting in preparation for his burial.
He then used the occasion to appreciate the Oba for his fatherly disposition to all and sundry, and prayed that the ancestors and God almighty will continue to give him the wisdom to pilot the affairs of not only the great Benin Kingdom but Edo State as a whole.
Corroborating the Ozukpogieva’s statement the secretary of the village, Mr Friday Osayande Edohen, added that those trying to ferment problem between the two villages are not even from the area, they are from Owe N’ Iguioko (Ekiadolor) four villages away, adding that the great Oba Ewuare II has earlier ruled and warned them when the matter was brought before him that they should stop parading themselves that they are from Ekowe village henceforth
He denied the alleged attack by the people on the Palace Chiefs, saying such things never happened as they (Ekowe people) revered the great Oba as their father and would not do anything that will be tartamount to not obeying his orders.
He said the Okaighele nor did any of the youths never attack any palace chief as being alleged as they were all engrossed on how to bury their Odionwere who passed on at that period.
He therefore used the opportunity to urge members of the general public to disregard the said publication and feel free to come into Ekowe village to do business, as the place is very peaceful.
