Intimidation: Ugonoba Community Appeals To Oba Ewuare II, Edo Govt For Rescue
By Simeon OSAJIE
The people of Ugonoba Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State has appealed to Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom, Edo State Government, Security Agencies and other relevant authorities to come to their rescue over an alleged harassment and intimidation by self-acclaimed Enogie Victor Etiosa Emunwahen Ikponmwingie, a.ka. Enogie of Abuja.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday 20th May, 2024 at the community meeting point, one of the four ranking elders, Pa. Otabor Arhiavbere said that Victor Etiosa Emunwahen Ikponmwingie has been illegally forcing on the people his authority and leadership as a self-acclaimed Enogie.
According to Pa Otabor Arhiavbere, “Whereas, since the passing of the last Enogie, nobody has been officially installed.
“Having failed to get affirmation of his desire to be Enogie at the Edo State Police Command, Zone 5, Benin High Court and even at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Victor Etiosa Emunwahen Ikponmwingie now parades a judgement purportedly gotten from a court in Abuja, which allegedly ordered that he be made and recognised as the Enogie of Ugoniyekeikpoba.
“But we are saying that in the age long Benin tradition and culture, the authority does not rest in the court to make anyone Enogie hence we don’t even know him let alone recognise the office he is trying to usurp.
“The Palace of the Oba had warned him to stop parading himself as Enogie over us but he would not comply.
“He has continued to terrorize us and the rest of the villages which constitute the Ugoniyekeikpoba Dukedom through all manner of means including the use of armed thugs.
“Unilaterally he sells our lands to unsuspecting buyers and anyone who braces up to confront him, he threatens with police arrest, including other means and here our youths are victims. Now, we know no peace!
“So, as it stands; Victor Etiosa Emunwahen Ikponmwingie is not only a deviant but obviously above the law hence we are pressured to cry out for the help of all relevant authorities.
“Also, Victor Etiosa Emunwahen Ikponmwingie is being accused of indulging in the outlawed CDA activities in the locality, as he always would not allow developers to continue work until they settle him monetarily.
“He has his agents working for him it was alleged. Victor Etiosa Emunwahen Ikponmwingie, who the people also call the Enogie of Abuja is said to be the contesting office of the Enogie of Ugoniyekeikpoba with his cousin; Uwaifo Oguigo Orhue who many alleged is the rightful person.”
Going further, he added: “Emmanuel Sunday Oviasogie who is said to be the next Odionwere (village Head) of Ugonoba also narrates chronological order of the past till date.
“We had all been living in peace until it was the turn of Uwaifo Oguigo Orhue to be the Enogie of Ugoniyekeikpoba Dukedom.
“His forebears had occupied the office but surprisingly Victor who is his cousin also is laying claim to the Enogieship saying he had been installed at Urhomehe Village instead of Ugonoba whose authority it is to do so.
“He incessantly uses police to arrest the people of Ugonoba especially the youths for daring to confront his illegalities and sometimes unleashes terror on us using armed thugs.”
Sunday Ogunsuyi and Eliot Ikpomwonsa, Okaighele (leader of the youths) corroborated Pa. Otabor Arhiavbere. According to them, “His grandfather, Ikpomwingie and biological father Emunwahen were never installed Enogie so we do not know how he is now Enogie.”
The people of Ugonoba Community passionately appeal to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Edo State Government and other relevant authorities to come rescue them from the unending terror of Victor Etiosa Emunwahen Ikponmwingie, and peace restored in the area.
They also congratulated the Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II, the Benin Traditional Council and entire Benin Kingdom for the recent return of the coronation stools of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie.
Expressing unwavering loyalty to the authority of the Monarch, they prayed for his continued peaceful reign on the throne.
However when contacted for reaction, Victor would neither confirm nor deny the allegations against him rather ended the call.
