The people of Orior-ozolua presenting their petition before the Chiefs of the Oba
• Pleads Oba Ewuare II intervention
Kingsley Abavo, (Managing Editor), Benin
The people of Orior-ozolua in Uhunmwode Local Government Council Area of Edo State have passionately appealed to the Benin Monarch HRM Oba Ewuare II for his intervention in the alleged; excesses of Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s aide on security, Paul Akhere
The people led by their Odionwere (eldest man and administrative Head of the Village), Pa. Imadiyi Osayomwanbor on Tuesday, 10 May, 2025 made the appeal in a peaceful protest at the Oba’s Palace in Benin-City, the State Capital.
They carried placards with various inscriptions; “Pa. Imadiyi Osayomwanbor remains Odionwere of Orior-ozolua, “Paul Akhere (SSA) to Gov. Monday Okpebholo leave Orior-ozolua alone, “Paul Akhere the issue of Odionwere and Okaighele is for the Palace” amongst many others.
Speaking with our reporter, the Odionwere narrated that about one and half years ago, he was installed on the approval of the Oba, and appointed Osasere Egharevba as the Okaighele.
Looking into the books, there was no money in the community account and he took steps to instill order, discipline and put things in their right position.
Consequently, order banning the illegal sales of community and individual land until further notice was put in place. “No business as usual,” it was declared!
In reaction, some elements amongst the youths who chose to be deviants felt offended and started plotting crisis and they found support in their ally; Paul Akhere in Government House.
They demanded the immediate removal of the Okaighele saying he had outstayed his tenure.
But I insisted that if need be, it must follow the due process and they got impatient and employed the support of the Governor’s aide, Akhere, he said.
“Thrice we have been summoned to the Government House where Akhere ordered that my Okaighele should be dropped for another person within two weeks of ultimatum.
“If I fail to comply with his order, he will not only appoint anyone else he pleases, he would also remove me as the Odionwere threatening that he was not kidding as he has the authority and power to act.
“Now, this group of people have turned nemesis in our Village; we have no peace anymore, with the orchestration of Akhere, repeatedly we are arrested for all manners of trump up allegations by the police.
“For the fear of the unknown, many of us have fled our homes in the Village as we can’t sleep with two eyes closed.
“So, we are appealing to our father, HRM, Oba Ewuare II to summon all the parties for a peaceful resolution of the unfortunate crisis.”
All other persons including Daniel Igbinenikaro, Prince Efosa Eguagie, and Daniel Imafidon who also spoke corroborated the narrative of the Odionwere.
The people in their protest after presenting their grievances to the Oba’s Chiefs, were directed to submit their petition to the office of the secretary to the Oba, Frank Irabor and expect feedback as soon as possible.
The petition was signed on behalf of the people by elders; Goodluck Ukponayusi, the Ozukpogieva (2nd ranking), Osasere Egharevba, James Ukponayusi, Daniel Igbinenikaro the secretary, and the Okaighele.
The Chiefs while commending the people for the peaceful protest, assured that their petition would be speedily attended and advised them to remain peaceful.
- Earlier, a group of persons described as disgruntled and mischievous protested against the Odionwere Imadiyi led group.
Their names were given as; Sunday Aiwekhoe, Imafidon Edionsere, Amadin Ekofiudu, Lucky Ekenomamwan Aguebor, Saturday Aguebor, Randy Uwamere Ushubi, Osazee Johnbull, and Osaro Esehigie amongst others not mentioned.
However, efforts to reach the Governor’s aide; Akhere for his reaction was not successful as at the time of sending this story for publication, Wednesday evening.
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