N38.5M Misappropriation Allegation Sparks Outcry As Community Calls For Accountability, Transparency

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

Indigenes and stakeholders of Orogho Dukedom in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State have raised concerns over what they described as alleged inappropriate dealings involving some oil companies and the traditional ruler of the community.

They are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management of community resources and ancestral lands.

The stakeholders alleged that part of the N38.5 million reportedly disbursed to ancestral landowners and communities within the dukedom, whose lands were traversed by the pipeline operated by NEW CROSS Petroleum, was allegedly misappropriated.

They expressed concern over the lack of clarity surrounding the receipt, allocation and utilisation of the funds, and called for a transparent account of how the money was received, distributed and ultimately spent.

The group also raised fresh concerns over the alleged disposal of a large parcel of land in the Savannah area of Ere-Egwa Farm, claiming that the transaction was carried out without the knowledge or consent of community leaders and the wider communities within the dukedom.

According to the stakeholders, the disputed land was subsequently recovered following the intervention of concerned indigenes of the Orogho and Owuo communities, who moved to stop Ere-Egwa Farm from securing a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from the Edo State Ministry of Lands and Survey in respect of the property.

The indigenes said the development had deepened concerns over the management of the dukedom’s ancestral lands and community resources, insisting that all transactions involving such assets should be conducted openly, with the knowledge and consent of the communities concerned.

They therefore called for full accountability over the alleged N38.5 million fund, transparency in all dealings involving community lands, and appropriate investigation into the allegations to establish the facts and protect the interests of the affected communities.

Some indigenes of the community, who raised the alarm spoke to the journalists in Benin, Edo State capital on Wednesday, alleging that the oil companies in cohort with some of their leaders are cornering the resources meant to develop the community.

According to the representatives of the seven communities that make up the dukedom, their area has remained largely underdeveloped despite millions of naira that have been channeled through a particular monarch.

Osahon Imaru, the convener, who spoke to journalists on behalf of the group, alleged that misappropriation of funds meant for the seven communities in the Dukedom, namely Orogho, Uwuo, Obagie Nunuamen, Iwevbo, Ugbigun, Obanakhoro and Ekhigbe, has been the order of the day.

He further stated that since the ascension of the present Enogie, several concerns have been raised by the stakeholders across the seven communities concerning the administration of the dukedom.

The convener also said that one of the most worrisome concerns was the introduction of Enogie Representatives or Sub-Enogie in each of the seven communities, which they said have allegedly taken advantage of those positions to oppress the people whom the Enogie is expected to protect.

The group reiterated that the issues raised are not mere allegations made without basis, as relevant documents are in their possession and available for verification by the appropriate authorities.

They said having exhausted several avenues to resolve the issue internally, they decided to seek the intervention of the Palace of the Oba of Benin as the highest traditional authority relevant to the matter, which they said, was followed by a letter submitted through the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC).

The group further stated that having discovered that the Enogie resorted to an oppressive and autocratic style of administration which he was exercising through his “Enogie Representatives or Sub-Enogie”, compelled them to seek the intervention of the Edo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Orhionmwon Local Government Council.

On the proposed election in the community which was put on hold, the group considered the development significant as it demonstrates the importance of allowing the appropriate authorities to underlying issues before any process that could further deepen division within the communities is resolved.

The group said they are not opposed to the traditional leadership, as they recognize and respect the Benin traditional institution and the historical significance of the Enogie institution, adding that their concern is the manner in which the institution is being administered.

They, therefore, advocated that they allow the seven communities to have meaningful participation in decisions affecting them.

The group called on the Oba of Benin, the Edo State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Orhionmwon Local Government Council and other relevant authorities to give these matters the necessary attention.

The concerned indigenes and Stakeholders however concluded that their intervention on the issues is not a campaign against the institution of the Enogie, but a call for accountability and responsible administration.

“We believe that traditional institutions can only remain strong when they enjoy the confidence of the people they represent. Our struggle is therefore directed towards ensuring that the seven communities of Orogho Dukedom are governed through a system that promotes peace, justice, accountability, consultation, transparency and development,” they declared.