…Appeals to all relevant authorities for urgent attention
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Odionwere of Igieduma in Uhumwonde local government area of Edo State, Pa John Enobakhare Ogbomo, elders and people of the community have reaffirmed Uyi Okhionkpawonyi as the Okaighele (youth Head) legally recognised; saying any other person parading himself as such is an impostor.
Even as they appealed to Edo Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and other relevant security agencies to come to their aid as Festus Osasumwen Ovatowe who is impersonating to be the Okaighele has allegedly used thugs and cultist to chase them out of the community.
In a meeting presided over by the Odionwere (eldest man), Pa John Enobakhare Ogbomo, on Friday, 11th September, 2026, the people made the reaffirmation saying Comrade Uyi Okhionkpawonyi had gone through all the traditional rites as laid down by the Palace of the Oba of Benin Kingdom after he was appointed by the Odionwere and other elders of the community.
But they said; they were surprised at the persistent claim to the office of the Okaighele, by Festus Osasumwen Ovatowe allegedly aided by some persons who do not mean well for the community, hence the gathering to reaffirms Comrade Uyi Okhionkpawonyi as the authentic Okaighele by the Odionwere and the entire people of Igieduma community.
They alleged, in his struggle to hijack the Okaighele position, the said Festus Osasumwen Ovatowe has resorted to violently attacking everyone in Igieduma with armed thugs and suspected cultists which according to the elders, many persons have suffered various degrees of gunshot and machete injuries with Uyi, the authentic Okaighele a major victim, inflicted a deep cut in the head as well as other who got their own share of injuries.
The Okaighele, Comrade Uyi narrates that not relenting, the alleged impostor, Festus Osasumwen Ovatowe has gone ahead to illegally sell the portion of the reserved land for the Benin Monarch in the community including others as well and the proceeds, he uses to influence in his favour, security operatives and authorities in the state. “Now, for safety and the fear of the unknown, everyone who dares raise a voice against him has been forced to flee the community,” he added.
Going further, he lament that in spite of a series of petitions bringing the unpleasant situation to the attention of the State Government, and the Palace of the Oba, HRM, Oba Ewuare II, seemingly, nothing is being done to tame what the people have termed; the ‘beast on the prowl’.
”But because we are peaceful people, not wanting to take the laws into our hands and go on a reprisal, we are again appealing to the relevant authorities; particularly, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and HRM, Oba Ewuare II to urgently come to our aide and call Festus Osasumwen Ovatowe to order before it will escalate to something else.
”This is very important, to avoid the situation spiraling into avoidable unpleasant tales.”
The General Secretary of the Commuinity, Comrade Harrison Iyamu, Elder Joseph Osemota and Lawrence Enoma all spoke in the same vein corroborating the narrative of the Odionwere and the Okaighele.
The people consequently warned that members of the public should beware having any dealings with the said Festus Osasumwen Ovatowe on behalf of Igieduma Community as he remains an impostor, the wrong person and monumental risk. “Therefore, anyone who ignores this notice does so at his or her own risk,” they added.
However, all attempts to reach Junior Osasumwen Ovator Owere for reaction as at the time of filing this report were unsuccessful.