Uroho elders seek Benin monarch’s protection against suspended Enogie, Okaighele

…alarm unfounded, misleading – Enogie’s aide

The Odionwere and elders of Uroho-Evbohi, Quarters in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have appealed to the Omo N’Oba N’Edo UKu Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, to protect them from the alleged unlawful activities of the suspended Enogie (Duke) of Uroho, Chief Friday Ogieriakhi and his Okaighele, Iziengbe Alex.

Odionwere of the Uroho-Evbohi Community, Pa Goodluck Ogbemudia; the second-in-rank elder in Uroho Community, Pa Samuel Igbinoba; and Pa Sunday Eguakun and other elders of the community, at a media briefing, alleged that they were sanctioned by the Okaighele and suspended Enogie loyalists for upholding the indefinite suspension order slammed on the Duke and 70 others who rebelled against the Omo N’Oba.

This was just as the suspended Enogie dismissed the allegation as unfounded and misleading, adding that the sole purpose was to pit the Enogie against the Benin monarch.

Pa Samuel Igbinoba alleged that they were fined the sum of N100,000 and other items by Mr John Enadeghe; suspended Enogie, Chief Friday Ogieriakhi; and Okaighele and Okaighele Iziengbe Alex for petitioning the palace over their continuous illegal activities.

Another Elder in the Uroho-Evbohi Community, Friday Ogieayevbona, lamented the activities of the suspended Enogie and his gang, stating that Okaighele’s decision to fine them while fighting for justice in the community was unacceptable.

He accused the Okaighele of holding briefs for the suspended Enogie, whose alleged atrocities were becoming unbearable for the community, and appealed to the Oba of Benin for rescue.

Another youth in the community, Monday Igbinoba, alleged that they were being tormented by the aggressors for upholding the decision of the Oba regarding the suspension of the Enogie and vowed to resist attempts by the loyalists to undermine Oba Ewuare’s authority over them and the area.

But when contacted, an aide to the suspended Enogie, who pleaded anonymity, said that there was no reason for anyone to raise any alarm in the community.

“I can tell you that this is an unfounded and misleading allegation. Those behind it are out to create a nonexistent friction between the Enogie and the Benin Palace.

“While it is true that the Enogie was among those suspended by the Oba, the Enogie has not done anything to warrant this allegation. 

“Rather, the Enogie believes that the Benin traditional system has its mechanism of resolving issues, and we can assure you that this matter with soon be resolved amicably”, the source reassured.

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