OBE N’EVBUEBO (IKPOBA-OKHA) The elders and people of Obe N’Evbuebo community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have expressed gratitude to the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, for restoring peace and harmony following a protracted leadership crisis.
In a statement signed by the Ozukpogieva (second most senior elder), Pa Nosakhare Iyoha, the Ozukpogieha (third in command), Pa Charles Ise, and other elders, the community said the monarch’s intervention culminated in the suspension of the priest (Ohen), Ogiobe N’Iyomo, Ogbeide Isaac Edobor, on March 5, 2026.
The elders noted that the crisis began after the death of the late Odionwere, Pa Joseph Orhue Iyoha, and the subsequent installation of Pa Oyeobagie Ekhator as his successor.
They alleged that the new Odionwere conspired with the Ohen to illegally ostracise some indigenes to pave way to forcefully sell community lands previously allocated to elders.
According to the statement, although the Benin Palace intervened in 2017, nullified the ostracisation, and ordered the return of the lands, the directives were ignored by the priest.
The elders further alleged that the Ohen continued to enforce the ostracisation and engaged in sacrilegious acts and land grabbing, while also usurping the authority of the Elders-in-Council.
They maintained that Pa Nosakhare Iyoha, being the oldest man in the community, is the rightful person to assume the position of Odionwere.
Efforts by the elders to resolve the crisis were reportedly resisted, prompting an appeal to the Oba, whose intervention ultimately restored peace to the community.
The elders prayed for wisdom, long life, and continued blessings for the monarch on the throne of his forebears.
