The youth leader (Okaighele) of Orior-Ozolua village in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, Egharevba Osasere, has faulted claims that he has remained in office for 17 years, asserting instead that he was only installed in November 2023 by the Odionwere of the village, Pa. Joseph Imadiyi Osayamwanbo, in accordance with Benin traditional customs.

This clarification came in response to a protest held on Monday, 14 April 2025, by a group of demonstrators who carried placards to the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council. 

The agitators accused Osasere of overstaying his term and demanded his immediate removal, alleging that he had been in office for nearly two decades, despite the traditional two-year tenure typically allotted to youth leaders in the community.

Speaking on the matter, Osasere described the allegations as false and politically motivated, suggesting that his detractors are acting out of self-interest and are being supported by individuals.

He explained that he officially assumed the position of Okaighele on 15 November 2023 after subscribing to an oath before His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, alongside the Odionwere and representatives from about 18 other villages. 

According to him, this process followed the established custom and conferred legitimate authority upon him to serve his community.

Osasere accused one Paul Akhere, who claims to be a Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on security matters, of meddling into the affairs of the village. 

He alleged that Akhere conspired with a faction in the community to incite unrest, which led to the shooting of three individuals. 

He said that he and the Odionwere had reported the incident to the Government House, only to be told by Akhere that the matter had been “settled” and that he did not want the police to be involved.

Akhere, according to Osasere, directed the Odionwere to take funds from the community treasury to treat the injured and reportedly declared that he had the authority to both remove and install an Okaighele.

“He told us plainly that he had removed me as Okaighele and that he would install a new one within two weeks. We are now waiting to see what he does next,” Osasere stated.

He further revealed that the same agitators had been summoned to appear before the Oba’s Palace to resolve the dispute, but they refused to honour the invitation, allegedly on Akhere’s advice. 

Osasere questioned the motive behind Akhere’s involvement, citing rumours that the interference may be linked to land allocation or financial inducement.

“The Odionwere was even threatened that if he didn’t comply, he too would be removed. This cannot be driven by anything other than ulterior motives,” he said.

Despite the threats, Osasere affirmed that the Odionwere continues to recognise him as the legitimate Okaighele and has reaffirmed this position before palace Chiefs. 

He stressed that in accordance with Benin traditions, only the Odionwere, acting with the elders’ council, can install a youth leader and present him to the Oba for endorsement, adding that “That process was followed in my case.” 

Osasere argued that the agitation against him is being orchestrated by individuals who wish to return to a corrupt practice of selling the same parcel of land to multiple buyers, an abuse he and the Odionwere have sworn to stop after their oath-taking before the Oba.

Responding to the allegations, Paul Akhere maintained that the governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, is empowered to ensure peace and had instructed that a new youth leader be chosen to quell the unrest. 

Akhere insisted that he does not act without the governor’s authorisation and claimed the decision was made due to widespread discontent over Osasere’s alleged extended stay in office, which he placed at 18 years.