By Raphael Okhiria
The Elders and people of Igieduma community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have again reaffirmed Pa Enobakhare Ogbomo as the authentic and recognised Odionwere and Mr Uyi Okhionkpawonyi as the Okaghele of the community respectively.
They declared that any other individual parading himself as an authority figure in Igieduma outside Pa Ogbomo is a false representative, whose claims should be ignored and disregarded by the general public.
The clarification was again made during a press briefing held in Benin City last weekend, where community leaders and stakeholders addressed the seeming lingering leadership dispute in the village.
Speaking at the briefing, Pa Enobakhare Ogbomo identified himself as the Odionwere of Igieduma duly approved by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11.
He therefore appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, Edo State Government and other relevant authorities to intervene.
Pa Ogbomo also debunked claims that he was not initiated into the elders’ council (Edion) in the community, describing the allegation as false, misleading and maliciously calculated to cause unrest in Igieduma village.
He also insisted that was duly initiated alongside his age mates in the community, most of whom, he said, are now deceased.
Corroborating his position, Pa Bramaih Eguagie, son of Eholor of Igieduma, appealed to the Oba of Benin to call those formenting problems in the community to order.
Also speaking, Mr Joel Uhunoma Edionwe said Pa Ogbomo was collectively appointed as Odionwere by the community, adding that the appointment was affirmed at the palace of the Oba of Benin, where it was reiterated that only a recognised Odionwere has the authority to appoint an Okaighele.
Mr Amos Obasohan, a native of Uvbiegie quarter in Igieduma, said the community presently has no Odionwere in Uvbiegie following the death of the last holder of the position, rejecting claims by any individual laying claim to the vacant stool.
In his remarks, a legal practitioner and native of Igieduma, Barrister Roland Osakue, described the controversy as unfortunate, noting that the matter had already been settled by Oba Ewuare II, who he said, affirmed Pa Ogbomo as the Odionwere of Igieduma and that anyone trying to upturn the decision of the Oba of Benin will face the wrath of the ancestors.
Barr. Osakue further emphasised that tradition however, vested the power to nominate an Okaighele solely on the Odionwere, adding that the community would continue to stand by the decision of the Oba of Benin.
The briefing concluded with a reaffirmation of Mr Uyi Okhionkpawonyi as the duly recognised Okaighele of Igieduma village, who was chosen by the Odionwere and presented to the palace of the Benin Monarch.