Development: Ugbogiobo Community Seeks Gov Okpebholo, Oba Ewuare II Intervention Over Ungodly Activities By Some Diaspora Indigenes

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Okaighele (Youth Head) of Ugbogiobo village, Ovia-North-East Local Government Council Area of Edo State, Owen Igbinovia has appealed to the Edo State Governor, Senator Mondah Okpebholo and His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II to come their aid over the alleged ungodly acts of some of the diaspora indigenes thwarting efforts of good spirited persons to develop the community.

In a chat with journalists in the community, Owen  Igbinovia, a self-made  business man before becoming the youths’ head, narrates the seeming unending running battles his leadership had to contend with,  in the efforts to pull Ugbogiobo village from its dark days to a glorious new dawn.

He stated that his cry become necessary to let the world know the life threatening trials and travails they have been subjected to in their efforts to ensure a lasting peace, progress and development of Ugbogiobo village.

According to him, some diaspora who are natives of Ugbogiobo for reasons unknown, have unrepentantly waged the war of attrition against the peace, security, development and growth of the village and her residents.

“Some of our indigenes that are not residing at home, but resides either in Benin City or elsewhere have chosen to always bring fight and quarrel here to disturb the peace and development of Ugbogiobo village.

“These people who are fermenting trouble here in Ugbogiobo are not living here, even the house they inherited from their parents, they have abandoned and refused to maintain them. Now they chose to work against the development of our community.

“Since I became the Okaighele (Youth Head) of this community by the power of the Odionwere and elders of the community, we have been living in peace and harmony until recently.

“I met the community without any development. There are many things the youths through my efforts and other well-meaning persons have done to develop this community. For example, grading of roads, procurement and erecting of electricity poles for the electrification of the entire village, renovation of our Primary Health Centre, even providing support for the primary school here.

“In spite of these, he said “the enemies of progress in this community continue to harass and intimidate us with police and DSS arrest framing up different allegations against us.

“But upon investigation, the police and DSS would find nothing incriminating against us, they found out that they lied and set us free.”

Going further, he added that even after the verdict by the committee set up by the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II resolution, those he referred to as ‘enemy of progress’ still launched an unrestrained attack and continued destruction of properties belonging to targeted persons in Ugbogiobo village.

“The very day the Palace of the Oba of Benin gave judgement in our favour, they came here (Ugbogiobo) community and destroyed about eight houses including my house.

“It may interest you to note that two days after the last governorship election, they came to my house with intent to assassinate me and when they found out that I was not at home, they killed my brother who came from Lagos to vote.

“Many of our community people whose properties were destroyed, are still finding it difficult to replace them.

“The allegation that I am the one fermenting trouble here are all false. Go and interview people around, they will tell you the role I have played for the development of this community.

“Also go to the Ugbogiobo Secondary School, they will tell you the assistance I have rendered to them since I became the Okaighele of this community.

“It may also nterest you to know that in efforts to help bolster peace and safety in our environment, we bought a vehicle for the security network operatives in this area.

“Even as we are ready to provide land for the Edo State Government to build a police post or station here to help check the activities of hoodlums and insecurity in this community.

“Please go and investigate who Owen Iginovia is! They will tell you how I am making efforts for the development of this community.

“My pain is that our people who are in the diaspora, instead of them to work with us for the growth and development of this community, they have decide to continue to fund those who are against the development of this community.

“I want to appeal that they should allow peace to reign by joining hands with us to develop and build our community.”

In an emotion laden voice, Igbinovia allegedly accused one Julius Orunmwense as one of those spearheading the violent crisis against Ugbogiobo Community, this has been his stock in trade dating back to 1986. We have the facts to buttress our allegation against him. He does not mean well for the development of this community.”

Igbinovia also commented on the presence of the Edo State government in the locality; he stated: “Ugbogiobo Community never received any assistance from the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki. It is in this present government of Senator Monday Okpebholo that we begin to see development coming into Ugbogiobo community.

“Okpebholo promised to build a modern primary healthcare centre for us and he has since commenced the construction of a new one just beside the old healthcare centre which we, elders, women and youths of this community renovated.   He even promised to build a school for us. 

“I want to appeal to Governor Monday Okpebholo and His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II to rescue us from those who do not mean well for the development of Ugbogiobo Community; as their actions scare away developers from investing here.”