Oba of Benin Palace has resolved the leadership crisis in Ureghin village in Oba of Benin Palace of Edo State, cautioning the people to live in peace to avert the wrath of God and the ancestors.
Accordingly, the Disputes and Conflicts Resolution Committee of the Palace in Benin City reinstated Mr Osariemen Thompson Otoghile to his position as the Okaighele of Ureghin village, with a caveat to work in synergy with Mr Uyi Igbinosun, pending the appointment of a new Odionwere (village head) by the Oba of Benin.
According to a press statement by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin, Chairman of the Committee, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin Kingdom, gave the ruling after carefully reviewing various submissions of parties in the crises via a petition earlier sent to the Palace.
Chief Obamwonyi noted that Mr Otoghile’s removal by elders of the village did not follow due process, knowing that the appointment of Okaighele of a village in Benin is the prerogative of Odionwere in Benin tradition in consultation with other elders.
But, Chief Esere clarified that if the act of misconduct levelled against Mr Otoghile had been substantiated, Otoghile is liable to a fine, by elders of the village.
He explained that the allegation against Otoghile is not grievous enough to warrant his removal as Okaighele, ahead of the appointment of a new Odionwere who will either retain the Okaighele or replace him in consultation with elders of the village at the appropriate time.
The Palace cautioned the traditional Priest of Ureghin village, Mr Ukponaye Igbinovia from parading himself as the Ozukpogieva (second most-senior-elder) of village and enjoined him to adhere to his traditional assignment he overseas on behalf of the Oba of Benin, forthwith.
Similarly, the Palace also rearranged the leadership cadre of Ureghin village, making Pa. Sunday Ehiosun ― the Ozukpogieva (second most-senior-elder), while Pa. Victor Okungbowa becomes the Ozukpogieha ― (third-most-senior elder) of Ureghin village.
In line with Benin Customs and Tradition, the Palace further affirmed Pa. Sunday Ikhaese as Ozukpogiene ― (fourth-most-senior elder) alongside Pa. Benson Otoghile as the Ozukpogisen ― (fifth-most-senior elder) of Ureghin village.
