By Simeon OSAJIE
Elders and people of Igieduma Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have again reaffirmed Pa Enobakhare Ogbomo and Mr Uyi Okhionkpawonyi as the authentic and duly recognised Odionwere (village head) and Okaighele (youth leader) of the community respectively.
They declared that any 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, allegedly perpetuated by one Ogierhiakhi Emovon.
Speaking at the briefing, Pa Enobakhare Ogbomo identified himself as the Odionwere of Igieduma duly approved by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, as he accused some dissidents led by the said Ogierhiakhi in the community for instigating unrest and disharmony among the people.
He therefore appealed to the Oba of Benin Kingdm, Oba Ewuare II, 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 he 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 the said Ogieriakhi and his cohorts to order, accusing them of using some maruading youths to foment trouble in the village.
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, rejectin 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.
Meanwhile, all efforts to reach Pa Ogierhiakhi Emovon however proved abortive as he also rebuffed this reporter on the phone.