Oba Of Benin Strips Priest Of Title Over Land Grabbing, Others

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II has deposed the traditional priest of Okhuoromi Community in Oredo local government area of Edo State, Ovbokhan Igbinovia.

Igbinovia was stripped of his title by the Benin monarch after reviewing his abominable practices including alleged land grabbing, extortion, and unauthorised demolition of private properties.

The monarch said this was in clear violation of Benin customs and tradition.

The Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah conveyed Oba Ewuare’s decision to elders of Okhuoromi led by its Odionwere (village head), Pa. Oghagbon Edosomwan who was henceforth mandated to administer the area on behalf of the deposed priest.

Obazelu who was joined by the Oyeoba of Benin, Isaac Oyeoba and Ogua of Benin, Chief Uyi Okungbowa, while addressing Okhuoromi elders and the victims, said anyone who contravened the directive will incur the wrath of the law and ancestors.

Oba Ewuare II stated that the Benin throne does not support acts of lawlessness and criminality under any guise, distancing the palace from the alleged sacrilege and urged Okhuoromi people to eschew violence.

The first-class traditional ruler also assured the victims of land grabbing and extortion by the deposed priest, his agents as well as his proxies that justice will be served in due course.

The monarch noted that Palace Chiefs have been assigned to further investigate and access the level of damages in the Community.

He urged individuals with such claims to channel their complaints with pictorial video evidence to the appropriate authorities.