The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has resolved the communal crisis in Ekhoe-N’Uwire village, renowned for ‘Ikhokho worship in Uhunmwode local government area of Edo state.
The resolution was contained in the committee report set up to resolve the conflicts in the locality on behalf of the monarch.
A statement issued by chief press secretary to Oba of Benin, Iguobaro Osaigbovo, stated that the chairman of the committee, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin, addressed Ekhoe-N’Uwire elders and youth in Oba’s Palace in Benin City on the resolution.
The statement said the report recommended the immediate dissolution of the illegal leadership cabinet headed by Mr. Atekha Izevbuwa, son of the late Odionwere (the village head), Pa. Izevbuwa Eguavoen.
Oba Ewuare II also urged Pa Irogbetin Edokpayi, the Ozukpogieva (2nd-in-Command) in Ekhoe-N’Uwire, with the assistance of the Ozukpogieha (3rd-5th-in-Commands) — all male elders in the village to pilot the affairs of the area forthwith, pending the installation of a new Odionwere.
Consequently, Mr Odion Erhunomoana, the Okaighele (youth leader), that was appointed by the transited former village head (Pa. Izevbuwa Eguavoen), said to be restored and allowed to function as Okaighele in Ekhoe-N’Uwire village, having investigated that the later was wrongly removed by Atekha.
Oba Ewuare II, also clarified that the appointment of Mr David Aghama, as the new Okaighele by Mr Atekha, is alien to Benin customs and tradition, and illegal.
He cautioned the villagers against violence to attract investors to the locality for sustainable development.
