Pa. Robinson Amadasun, the newly installed Odionwere (eldest man) of Ikpako village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, has called on sons and daughters of the community to unite and contribute to its growth and development.
Amadasun made the appeal shortly after his installation as Odionwere of the community.
The septuagenarian was installed after a Benin Customary Court in Okada, with Mr.B E. Imohimi, as its president, declared the stool vacant following a prolonged tussle over its rightful occupant.
The court had upheld the decision of the community to remove Mr. James Ailegboze as Odionwere over alleged high-handedness and acts considered sacrilegious.
It subsequently ordered that the most senior male in the village be installed as Odionwere, in line with Benin customs and traditions.
Amadasun expressed gratitude to Oba Ewuare II for upholding the traditions of the Benin Kingdom through his pronouncements, which the court affirmed.
He urged all residents of the community to embrace unity and work towards its development.
Also speaking, the Okaeghele (Youth Leader), Mr. Monday Osahenohator, said peace had returned to the community.
He extended a hand of reconciliation to those still aggrieved on account of the leadership tussle and urged them to bury the hatchet.
“As Okaeghele, I join the Odionwere and the elders’ council in appealing to my brothers and sisters — including those still hurt by the court case — to move forward with the leadership and focus on developing our community,” he said.
“We have all experienced one form of pain or another. Now is the time to heal, with the installation of the new Odionwere.”
Some of the past Odionweres of the agrarian community included Ediagbonya, Okunzuwa, Egboe among others.
