Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The youths of Iguovbiobo Community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State have given their nods to the three-man committee constituted by the palace of the Oba of Benin to settle the perennial Odionwere (community head) tussle in the community.
The youths, led by the Okaighele (Youth Leader) of the community, Austin Evbuomwan, described allegations and blackmail against the committee members as unwarranted and unfounded.
In a statement made available to journalists in Benin, Evbuomwan said the committee, headed by Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, alongside Chief Isaac Ogiemwense, the Oyioba of Benin, and Chief Omoruyi Okungbowa, the Aideyanba of Benin, was mandated by the palace of the Oba of Benin to investigate and resolve the over two-year-old crisis bedeviling the community.
He explained that the dispute emanated from claims and counterclaims of seniority between Pa Eboigbe and Pa Okungbowa, stressing that Benin custom and tradition recognise the most senior man in a community as the rightful Odionwere.
Evbuomwan said it was regrettable that after the committee devoted time and traditional processes towards ensuring lasting peace, some persons allegedly resorted to social media attacks and campaigns of calumny against the respected palace chiefs.
According to him, the committee, in line with Benin customs and tradition, subjected the issue of seniority to traditional oath-taking at the palace of the Oba of Benin to further establish the claims of the contending parties.
He stated that while Pa Daniel Okungbowa willingly submitted himself to the process and declared his date of birth as December 13, 1928, Pa Ohenhen Eboigbe and members of his family reportedly declined to participate in the traditional process.
“As youths of Iguovbiobo Community, we have absolute confidence in the integrity, neutrality and wisdom of the committee led by Chief Osaro Idah,” he said.
He added that the palace chiefs acted in the best interest of peace, unity and justice in the community and should be appreciated rather than politicised.
The youth leader also reaffirmed the community’s loyalty and respect for the palace of the Oba of Benin and the Benin traditional institution, describing it as a symbol of justice, truth and cultural heritage.
Evbuomwan further expressed confidence in Pa Okungbowa’s ability to provide purposeful leadership for the community and urged him to carry all stakeholders along in the spirit of peace, reconciliation and development.
He said the youths of Iguovbiobo Community remained committed to sustaining peace, unity and harmony in the area.
