Edo community rejects threats to autonomy, reaffirms loyalty to Oba of Benin

Elders of Uhunmwoke Orhuma Ewuare community, located at Kilometre 13 on the Benin-Sapele road by-pass in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have rejected what they described as attempts by a suspended Enogie (Benin Duke) and his associates to undermine the community’s autonomy and historical identity.

The elders maintained that the community remains an autonomous entity with a distinct cultural heritage, warning that efforts to distort its history or erase its traditional status will be resisted.

Speaking during a press briefing in Benin City, the Odionwere of the community, Pa Ogieva Edomwonyi, accused certain individuals of promoting what he termed false narratives aimed at denying the community its age-long identity and traditional boundaries.

He said the claims being advanced against the community are baseless and constitute an attempt to erode a rich cultural history that dates back to the era of the legendary Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare I.

Edomwonyi explained that historical records and oral traditions traced the origins of the community to the period of territorial expansion and conquest under Oba Ewuare I, stressing that the community’s existence and status are deeply rooted in Benin history.

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“The attempt by some individuals to deny us our autonomy is not only misleading but also an affront to our heritage and ancestral identity. Our history is well known and cannot be rewritten by anybody,” he said.

The community leader further dismissed alleged threats emanating from those he described as short-sighted individuals, bent on creating confusion in the peaceful community.

He also paid tribute to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for what he described as timely royal intervention, following a request made by the community elders in May 2017.

He disclosed that the intervention helped address a long-standing challenge associated with the Odionwere institution, which has allegedly resulted in premature deaths among holders of the revered position.

Corroborating his position, another elder of the community, Pa Sunny Omoregie Iyoha, reaffirmed the community’s historical identity and urged those behind the alleged misinformation to desist.

A senior elder of Uhunmwoke Orhuma Ewuare community, Pa Oghogho Oteleku, said the community operates an autonomous traditional structure headed by an Elders Chamber known in the Benin language as ‘Ogua’edion.’

The elders used the occasion to reaffirm their loyalty and support Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Oba Ewuare II, while calling for peace, unity and respect for established traditional institutions across the state.