…Seeks Govt, Oba of Benin, IGP’s intervention to prevent bloodshed
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Ohen Obao of Aduwawa Community, Benin City, Edo State, Chief Nosakhare Odumore, has appealed to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom; the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Edo State Commissioner of Police to urgently intervene in a lingering land dispute between a hotel proprietor who is an Igbo businessman proprietor in Aduwawa Community and the proprietor of Ameosa Motors to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
Odumore, who made the appeal during a press briefing on Friday, 13th November, 2026, said his intervention was driven by the need to preserve peace, protect lives and prevent a disagreement between two businessmen claiming ownership of the same property from degenerating into violence.
He explained that the disputed property had been used for years as a parking space for a hotel by an Igbo businessman, while another claimant, a Benin-based businessman and owner of Ameosa Motors, had recently laid claim to it.
According to him, he had repeatedly invited both parties to appear before the traditional authority to present their claims and allow an amicable resolution of the dispute.
While the Igbo businessman had consistently honoured the invitations, the Ameosa Motors claimant had allegedly failed to appear, including through his proposed representative, Mr. Matthew Ikhide, despite repeated invitations.
The traditional head, however, emphasised that he had neither declared any party the owner of the land nor reached a final decision on the matter.
According to him, “My intention has always been to hear both sides, examine their respective claims and ensure that justice is not sacrificed on the altar of personal interest. I cannot, in good conscience, reach a conclusion on a matter when one of the parties has consistently failed to appear and present his own side of the story.”
To prevent either party from taking unilateral action, Odumore said he imposed a temporary traditional palm-frond restriction on the property, stressing that the measure was strictly intended to maintain peace and did not amount to a declaration of ownership or an attempt to dispossess anyone.
He also expressed concern over unverified reports of possible plans by persons allegedly connected to the party that had failed to honour the traditional invitations to attack or confront the other claimant. He urged security agencies to investigate the reports and take preventive measures.
Making a passionate appeal to the authorities, Chief Odumore said: “In view of the circumstances surrounding this dispute, I respectfully appeal to our revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom, to look into this matter and provide the necessary traditional guidance towards ensuring a peaceful resolution.
“I equally appeal to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, to intervene through the appropriate authorities before this disagreement escalates into a security challenge.
“To the Inspector-General of Police and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, I make a passionate appeal for urgent security intervention. I request that the reported threats be investigated, the parties protected and adequate measures put in place to prevent any breach of peace.
“I also appeal to the relevant security agencies to ensure that nobody takes the law into their own hands, irrespective of their social standing, political connections or financial influence.
“The situation requires preventive attention, not a reaction after lives or property may have been lost.”
The Ohen Obao of Aduwawa Community announced a further seven-day extension of the traditional invitation to the Ameosa Motors claimant and Matthew Ikhide to appear before him and present their claims, warning that failure to do so would compel him to review the existing restriction and determine the next traditional steps without prejudging the ownership dispute.
Describing himself as a father to all, Chief Odumore said: “No piece of land is worth the blood of an innocent person. No disagreement over property should become an excuse for intimidation, threats, violence or destruction of property.”
He urged the Ameosa Motors claimant to take advantage of the extended invitation, while appealing to the other claimant to remain patient and respect the traditional process.
“My greatest desire is to preside over a peaceful community where people respect one another, where disputes are resolved through dialogue and where residents can conduct their legitimate businesses without fear,” he added.