(C), The Odionwere of Igieduma (eldest man and local administrative Head), Pa. Enobakhare Ogbenede Ogbomo, flanked on the immediate (R), Okaighele (Youths Head), Uyi Ohionkpavbuyi
• Appeals to all relevant authorities for urgent attention
From our news desk, Benin
The people of Igieduma Village, Uhumwonde Local Government Council Area of Edo State have reaffirmed Uyi Ohionkpavbuyi as the Okaighele (youth Head) legally recognised; saying any other person parading himself is an impostor.
On Friday, 11 September, 2026 in a meeting presided over by the Odionwere (eldest man and local administrative Head), Enobakhare Ogbenede Ogbomo, the people made the reaffirmation saying Uyi Ohionkpavbuyi had gone through all the traditional rites both at the Oba Palace; after he was appointed.
But they said; they are in shock at the persistent claim to the office of the Okaighele, by one of the youths identified as Junior Osasumwen Ovator Owere, everywhere he goes.
Hence, the reaffirmation of Uyi as the authentic Okaighele by the Odionwere and the entire people of Igieduma.
They alleged, in his struggle to hijack the Okaighele office, Junior Osasumwen Ovator Owere has resorted to violently attacking everyone perceived to be against him in Igieduma, with armed thugs suspected to be cultists.
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As a result, many persons have suffered various degrees of gun shot and machete injuries with Uyi, the authentic Okaighele a major victim; inflicted a deep cut in the head.
Today, he carries the visible mark of the deep cut revealing medical stitches points.
The Okaighele, Uyi Ohionkpavbuyi narrates: that not relenting, the alleged impostor, Ovator Owere has gone ahead to illegally sell the portion of land reserved for the Benin Monarch in the Village including others; and the proceeds, he uses to influence in his favour, security operatives and authorities in Government House.
Now, for safety and the fear of the unknown, everyone who dares raise a voice against him has been forced to flee the Village, he added.
Further, he lament that in spite of a series of petitions bringing the unpleasant situation to the attention of the State Government, and the Palace of the Oba, HRM Ewuare II, seemingly, nothing is being done to tame what the people have termed; the ‘beast on the prowl’.
“But because we are peaceful people, not wanting to take the laws into our hands and go on a reprisal, we are again appealing to the relevant authorities; particularly, the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and HRM, Oba Ewuare II to urgently come to our aide and call Junior Osasumwen Ovator Owere to order.
“This is very important, to avoid the situation spiralling into avoidable unpleasant tales.”
The general secretary, comrade Harrison Iyamu, elder Joseph Osemota and Lawrence Enoma all spoke in the same vein corroborating the narrative of the Odionwere and the Okaighele.
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The people consequently warned; that members of the public should beware having any dealings with Junior Osasumwen Ovator Owere on behalf of Igieduma Village; as he remains an impostor, the wrong person and a monumental risk.
Therefore, anyone who ignores this notice does so at his or her own risk, they added.
However, all attempts to reach Junior Osasumwen Ovator Owere for reaction as at the time of filing this report for publication weekend; were unsuccessful.
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