The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has resolved the leadership crisis plaguing Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba Community in Ovia North East local government area of Edo State, seven years after the hostility began.
The resolution followed the appointment of Pa. Johnson Ahanor as the Odionwere of Iguoshodin N’ Ikgbemaba by the revered Benin monarch who also ordered one Mr Friday Eghenayariore Agho to stop parading himself as the head of the community forthwith.
Oba Ewuare II gave the verdict after reviewing the submissions of parties in the dispute during a meeting with elders of the Community at the Oba Palace in Benin City.
The monarch also suspended and reprimanded the leader (Owere) of Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba, a sub-set of Iwebu Royal Guild in Benin, Pa Daniel Ewemade Igbinovia over alleged misconduct along with a few recalcitrant individuals who have made life unbearable for the people in the community.
The first-class traditional ruler reaffirmed as a taboo in Benin for young people to preside over the affairs of villages or communities where older elders exist.
Oba Ewuare explained that age remains one of the major criteria used to determine an Odionwere, not according to hierarchical order at elders’ council chamber otherwise known as Ogua Edion in villages and communities across Benin Kingdom.
He charged elders across the various villages and communities to take their place in society in line with the principles of common and shared responsibility.
In the meantime, the Odionwere of Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba, Pa. Ahanor and the Okaighele of the community, Kenneth Omoregbe have undergone the traditional rites in accordance with Benin Customs and tradition.
