Oba of Benin resolves community leadership crisis

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has resolved a seven-year leadership crisis in the Iguoshodin N’ Igbemaba Community, Ovia North East, Edo.

This is contained in a statement signed on Sunday by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin.

Oba Ewuare appointed Mr Johnson Ahanor as the new Odionwere and ordered Mr Friday Agho to stop parading himself as village head.

According to Iguobaro, the Oba’s decision followed careful review of submissions by all parties during a Palace meeting with community elders.

The Oba also suspended the community’s leader, Daniel Ewemade Igbinovia, over alleged misconduct, alongside other troublesome individuals.

He emphasised that it is taboo in Benin for youths to lead villages where older elders are present and capable.

Age, not council ranking, remains a key criterion for selecting an Odionwere in Benin villages, the Oba further clarified.

The monarch urged elders across the Benin Kingdom to uphold their roles in society with a sense of shared responsibility.

Meanwhile, Ahanor and the Okaighele, Kenneth Omoregbe, have completed traditional rites in accordance with Benin customs and traditions.