Community Protests Against Gov Okpebholo’s Aide, Alleges Excesses
…Please for Oba’s intervention
By Simeon OSAJIE
The people of Orior-Ozolua in Uhunmwonde local government area of Edo State have passionately appealed to the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II for his intervention in the alleged extravagances of Special Adviser (SA) on Security to Edo State Governor, Paul Akhere.
The people led by their Odionwere (Head and administrator of the Village), Pa. Imadiyi Osayomwanbor on Tuesday, 10th May, 2025 made the appeal in a peaceful protest to the palace of the Oba in Kingsquare, Benin, Edo State capital.
They carried placards with various inscriptions; “Pa. Imadiyi Osayomwanbor Remains Odionwere of Orior Ozolua”, “Paul Akhere (SSA) to the Governor Leave Orior-Ozolua Alone”, “Paul Akhere the Issue of Odionwere and Okaighele is for the Palace”, amongst others.
Speaking with journalists, Pa. Imadiyi Osayomwanbor narrated that about one and half years ago, he was installed as the Odionwere on the approval of the Oba of Benin Kingdom, and Mr. Osasere Egharevba as the Okaighele.
“Looking into the books, no money in the community account and took steps to instill order, discipline and put things in their right position.
“Consequently, order banning the illegal sales of community and individual land until further notice was put in place. “No business as usual,” it was declared!
“Some elements amongst the youths who chose to be deviants felt offended and started plotting crisis and finding support in their ally; Paul Akhere in Government House.
“They demanded the immediate removal of the Okaighele saying he had outstayed his tenure.
“But I insisted that if need be, it must follow the due process and they got impatient and employed the aide of the Governor’s aide, Paul Akhere.
“Thrice we have been summoned to the Government House where Paul Akhere ordered that my Okaighele should be dropped for another person within two weeks of ultimatum.
“If I fail to comply with his order, he will not only appoint anyone else he pleases, he would also remove me as the Odionwere threatening that he was not kidding as he has the authority and power to act.
“Now, this group of people have turned nemesis in our Village; we have no peace anymore, with the aide of Paul Akhere, repeatedly we are arrested for all manners of trump up allegations by the police.
“For the fear of the unknown, many of us have fled our homes in the village as we can’t sleep with two eyes closed.
“So, we are appealing to our father, HRM, Oba Ewuare II to summon all the parties for a peaceful resolution of the unfortunate crisis.”
All other persons including Daniel Igbinenikaro, Prince Efosa Eguagie, and Daniel Imafidon who spoke corroborated the narrative of the Odionwere.
The people in their protest after presenting their grievances to the Oba’s Chiefs, were directed to submit their petition to the office of the secretary to Oba, Frank Irabor and expect feedback.
The petition was signed on behalf of the people by elders; Goodluck Ukponayusi, the Ozukpogieva (2nd ranking), Osasere Egharevba the Okaighele, Elder James Ukponayusi, the Secretary,
The Chiefs while commending the people for the peaceful protest, assured that their petition would be speedily attended and advised them to remain peaceful.
Earlier, a group of persons described as disgruntled and mischievous protested against the Odionwere Imadiyi led group.
Their names were given as; Sunday Aiwekhoe, Imafidon Edionsere, Amadin Ekofiudu, Lucky Ekenomamwan Aguebor, Saturday Aguebor, Randy Uwamere Ushubi, Osazee Johnbull, and Osaro Esehigie amongst others not mentioned.
