By Simeon OSAJIE
Concerned indigenes and residents of Okhuoromi Community in Oredo local government area of Edo State on Thursday staged a protest against the alleged plan reinstatement of former Ohen of Okhuoromi, Ovbokhan Igbinovia.
The protesters, who marched through major streets of Benin, called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, and the Edo State Police Command to intervene, warning that such a move would pose a direct threat to peace and unity in the community.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Comrade Kenneth Waya said that the individual in question presided over “a period of unprecedented lawlessness” during his tenure, with actions that allegedly amounted to criminal offences against the laws of Edo State and Nigeria.
According to him, “Allowing his return would undermine your government’s efforts to maintain security and would signal an endorsement of criminal conduct.”
Comrade Waya explained that opposition to the former Ohen’s reinstatement was based on what he described as documented and widespread criminal activities, including land fraud, harassment, and abuses of power which, according to him, led to the loss of property and a breakdown of social order in Okhuoromi.
He appealed to Governor Okpebholo to issue an executive directive preventing the reinstatement of Igbinovia, stressing that his return could plunge the community into a fresh crisis.
“The reinstatement of an individual with such a documented history of criminality and capacity to incite violence would immediately plunge the Okhuoromi Community back into crisis,” he added.
Waya further urged the governor to direct relevant security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney-General of the State, to investigate the allegations against the former Ohen and ensure justice is served.
He accused Igbinovia of using his traditional position to illegally acquire land, engage in land grabbing, and exploit residents through unlawful demolitions and intimidation, describing him as a notorious land grabber operating in contravention of existing land use laws in Edo State for criminal gain.”