From our news desk, Benin
Iyanomo Community in Ovia-North-East Local Government area of Edo State have faulted the paid Announcement made by the Enogie (Duke) of Oye-Iyanomo, Alfred Erhauyi Osagie on a local television.
Enogie Osagie in the announcement was said to had alleged the people of Iyanomo of perpetrating an unauthorized demarcation of layout in the locality.
In reaction, the Ozukpogieva (2nd elder in ranking), Pa. Sunday Ohiengbonmwan spoke on behalf of Iyanomo community in an enlarged meeting at the Village Elders’ sanctuary known as ‘Oguedion’ in the Edo language recently.
He said the reaction was to make their position known as regards the Enogie’s paid announcement, also to bring to the knowledge of the Benin Monarch HRM Oba Ewuare II and the public about the true state of happenings in the Village.
The Enogie’s allegation that the people of Iyanomo were carrying out the demarcation of land in the community for sale against a subsisting consent judgment of the court, was not true; Pa. Ohiengbonmwan said.
“What we did was the grading of the access road from the express to the Village and again stopping the people from turning the entrance into a refuse dump site thereby becoming an eye sore.
“We mobilized the youths to join in the evacuation as the grading was going on.
“We are peace loving and would not take the laws into our hands; but the personalization of the community land by the Enogie and his family is what we will not agree to.
“The entire community is made up of two villages; Oye and Iyanomo and he cannot continue to carry out decisions without the input of elders from Iyanomo, as he could not have been the Enogie without the people as well.“
Pledging their continued loyalty to HRM Oba Ewuare II who they acknowledged; is a father to all, the people of Iyanomo appealed for the support of the Palace to ensure they are not pushed out of their native home, as allegedly threatened by the Enogie.
Also speaking; the Village youths Head, Iyayi Eboigbe urged members of the public to disregard the allegations of the Enogie against them; as they were untrue.
Instead; they only carried out the grading of the access road into the Village which was becoming un-motorable to both the inhabitants and visitors.
He recalled that when the Oba gave a resolution on the name; ‘Oye- Iyanomo’, he did not say the Enogie should come take over the Village asset for himself and his family which allegedly, is presently occurring.
“For transparency and all inclusiveness; the Enogie should have contacted the elders and people of Iyanomo before going on air to say they are carrying out land demarcation which did not take place.
“Even as they have the right to make access road to their own Village which the Enogie is fighting them against.”
