Members of the Okpameri Traditional Rulers Association (OKPATRA) and the Okpameri Descendants Union (ODU) in Edo State have called on the state government and security agencies to bring to justice the people responsible for the destruction and burning of the palace of the Olojah of Ojah, HRH Oba D. S. Lawani, and the residence of the Commissioner for Social Development and Gender, Mrs. Christabel Eremah-Ekwu.
Recall that the two residences were destroyed by irate youths over the opposition to the burial type in the area called ‘sky burial’.
The group, in a communiqué signed by 21 members of the OKPATRA and ODU, said, “The scourge of Sky Burial, whose consideration and resentment resulted in the breakdown of law and order, arson, and vandalism in the Ojah community, was deliberated extensively at the meeting.”
“We jointly and individually condemn in very strong terms the wanton destruction of property, commission of arson and threat to lives flagrantly displayed, and these do not by any way whatsoever insinuate connivance or collaboration of the Okpameri traditional rulers, chiefs and leaders
“That Okpameri Nation, her traditional rulers, chiefs, and leaders will not promote or support any form of burial in whatever name it is called that denigrates the sanctity of the deceased and their families or that is obviously dangerous to the health and social well-being of our people.”.
Continuing: “That government should, as a matter of urgency, intervene to restore peace and justice in the Ojah community and make identified arsonists, vandals, and their accomplices face the full wrath of the law.
“That we sympathise with the victims of the aforementioned breakdown of law and order in the Ojah community, viz., HRH Oba D. S. Lawani, the Okogbe of Ojah and Clan Head of Okuluso; Hon. Christabel Omoh Ekwu, Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues; their families; the security agencies; and the Ojah community at large.” the group concluded