BENIN CITY: The leadership dispute surrounding Sokponba and Aideyanoba communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State has taken a fresh turn, with the General Okaighele of Sokponba Dukedom, Mr Godfrey Ogbonmwan, rejecting claims questioning his position and the traditional structure of the area.
Ogbonmwan, in a statement issued from his office in Sokponba, said recent allegations against him by persons claiming to be leaders of Aideyanoba Community were based on a misunderstanding of the relationship between the two communities.
He maintained that Sokponba and Aideyanoba are distinct communities but stressed that Aideyanoba remains a constituent community under the wider Sokponba Dukedom.
According to him, the Dukedom comprises more than seven quarters and communities, including Aideyanoba, which he said has its own Odionwere, Pa Paul Aghayedo.
Ogbonmwan specifically disputed any suggestion that Aghayedo is the Odionwere of the entire Sokponba Dukedom, saying his authority is limited to Aideyanoba quarter.
He also defended the legitimacy of his appointment as General Okaighele, saying he was selected, appointed and installed in the presence of community elders, the Odionwere of Sokponba, women and youth representatives.
He said he was thereafter presented to the Enogie, whom he described as the Duke and custodian of the Sokponba Dukedom, and was assigned responsibility for overseeing the various quarters under the Dukedom.
“The entire people agreed and prayers were offered,” Ogbonmwan said, adding that he was also issued a letter of appointment.
The General Okaighele said photographic and documentary evidence existed to support his account, including photographs from his installation at the Ogua-Edion on Ugbague Street, Sokponba, and the Ogua-Edion in Aideyanoba.
He further claimed that Aghayedo was present and participated in the installation ceremony.
Ogbonmwan described the September 15 publication against him as “null, void and of no effect,” urging members of the public to disregard the allegations.
He stressed that his appointment was not intended to undermine the identity or traditional authority of any constituent community, but to carry out a mandate from the elders aimed at promoting the development, unity and wellbeing of the Sokponba Dukedom.
