Elders of the Igbobi community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have commended Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for the timely intervention over the disputed Oguedion shrine at Urhobo camp (Uzormo), which has been a subject of crisis in the community for years.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune in his residence, the Odionwere of the communuty, Pa Peter Ugiagbe revealed that three sons of the same parent who wanted their self independence collaborated with the Urhobo Settlers to build their own Oguedion in the camp which he described as an abomination in Benin kingdom.
He stated that when the matter was brought before the monarch at the palace, he invited both parties and gave judgment that the Odionwere and Ohen-Osun Ehengbuda, Chief Ehiokioya F. Osazee should ensure that the disputed second Oguedion in lgbobi village be destroyed with immediate effect.
He said: “When we went there with our youths numbering over 50 to carry out the demolition exercise as directed by the Oba, the youths of the Urhobo camp (Uzomo) wanted to fight our youths with machetes and other dangerous weapons.
The community would have been thrown into confusion, if not for the quick intervention of the security agents in the area.
“Myself and community elders are ready to accept them provided they respect and work in harmony with us as directed by the Oba of Great Benin kingdom, they are our subjects, and they should always pay homage to us.”
Speaking further, the Ohen-Osun Ehengbuda, Chief Ehiokioya F. Osazee thanked the Oba for his fatherly role in bringing lasting peace to lgbobi Village and Benin Kingdom in general. According to him, he pointed that three brothers in the community were the people that confused the Urhobo people who came to settled in lgbobi community.
The chiefs reiterated their readiness to accommodate them and see them as brothers and sisters, while calling on the youths to always shun crisis and embrace peace, saying no meaningful development can strive in an atmosphere of rancour.
In a related development, while speaking on behalf of the Urhobo settlers from Delta State, Omonigho Itila said that they were happy with the decision of the Oba Ewuare II whom they regarded as their father.
“We are all from Delta and Rivers State to settle here to farm and not to fight our helpers. We appreciate the Odionwere, elders, women and youths of the community for their understanding including security agents for their quick intervention if not many heads would have roled, we seek for peace in Igbobi Community.
“The Uzomo camp is a riverine place were people go to fetch water for drinking and use for economic purpose, like washing of their clothes, and we will continue to respect the indigenes right.” He said.