Metro

Edo Community Elders Petition Oba Of Benin Over Planned Attempt To Foist Leadership

Published

1 year ago

October 14, 2024

Indigenes of Obarune village in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State, have appealed to Oba Ewuare II, to intervene in the planned attempt by some high-handed palace functionaries to foist non-indigenes over them as leaders.

The elders appeal in a petition titled “Protest letter against attempt to foist leadership on Obarune village,” and made available to journalists on Monday in Benin.

The acknowledged petition by the Palace registry, is signed by the village Ozukpogieva ( Second most senior elder), Pa. Uwagboe Osamagioghomwenwi, and its, Secretary, Mr Osasumwen Kevin Okunzuwa, on behalf of the people of Obarune.

Obarune indigenes claimed that though they had earlier protested against planned installation of an imposture, one Afona Isibor, as Ohen (Priest) of their village, the Oba had intervened by setting up a fact-finding Committee to verify the authenticity or otherwise of the claim.

They explained that on May 16, 2023, Oba Ewuare II, at Eguae ’ematon, (Sacred Court), ordered the members of the Committee led by one Chief Uyi Okungbowa, the Ogua of Benin, to take an oath (Ula’mwen) for the ancestors to bear witness, before embarking on the fact-finding claim.

According to the petition, Oba Ewuare II, also warned the said Isibor to stop parading himself as Ohen (priest).

“But, contrary to your clear order and definitive directive on that day, the Palace Dispute Resolution Committee has employed all manners of intrigues to subvert justice by twisting the facts in the above subject matter.

“While the Chief Ogua-led delegation, failed to carry out your Majesty’s directive. He seems to have continued to encourage Isibor and his cohorts in their mischief.

“Isibor, who still addressed himself as Ohen, summoned elders of Obarune before Chief Victor Aigbovbiosa, the Ohen-Okun (traditional Priest) of Ughoton and Elders of Unuode Ekenwan, in Ovia North East LGA over the same matter.

“Unfortunately for them, the Ohen-Okun of Ughoton and the elders respectfully declined to entertain the petition after perusing undisputed evidence in documents from us and hearing your Majesty’s ruling in the matter.”

Obarune elders claimed in the petition that the said Palace Chief Ogua and some members of the Palace Dispute Resolution Committee had allegedly become biased in their decision, trying to subvert justice in the matter.

“At Eguae ’ematon, after presentation of our case, the palace had on the said occasion, in good faith, changed the name ‘Obaterumen’ to ‘Obarune’ village, which parties in the dispute unanimously accepted.

“However, your Royal Majesty, while we patiently awaited your gracious approval of our request for Odionwere through the Committee, we were again invited by Chief Ogua to the palace on May, 29, 2024.

“Only to inform us that the Palace Committee has advised us to revert to the old name of Obateru against your earlier directive, ostensibly to create confusion and without any reasonable explanation,” they said in the petition.

“Your Majesty, at our last invitation on September 26, 2024, members of the Committee present, already with a pre-determined decision, bluntly refused to heed our protest, while
Chief Ogua in particular openly declared that your Majesty’s directive was no longer relevant to the matter before the committee.

“For the sake of clarity, We had also rejected the Committee’s resolution to foist unknown persons whom it tagged “interim leadership” of Obateru/Obagbeni, because it’s alien to Benin Customs and tradition.

“Your Majesty, we had also reminded the Committee that Obarune has a subsisting judgment of a Benin High Court which recognises the people of Obarune as the original indigenes of the village.

“We provided evidence to show that the village is recognised by the State Government, particularly in the State Ministry of Environment, which also approved Government forest reserved Areas to Obarune village as farmlands NOT Obagbeni.

“It’s also important to note that despite our insistence that as long as members of the fact-finding delegation neither swore to an oath nor carried out your Majesty’s order, Chief Ogua neither had the locus to have entertained the said petition, nor the Committee in the position to take its resolution, without your Royal Majesty’s approval.

“Yet, the Committee went ahead and sent us a text message through its Secretary, one Comrade Henry Uwumagbuhun, informing us of its constitution of names of the same interlopers as interim leaders of Obarune village by fiat without recourse to its consequences.

“Your Royal Majesty, from the foregoing, it has become clear to us that members of the Committee mean no good as their actions and body languages portray them as very biased and subjective.

“And as interested parties, whose decision will ignite the already built up anger of the people of Obarune exacerbated by the vexatious antics of Isibor and his cohorts.

“We are therefore appealing to your Majesty’s intervention to nip in the bud the brewing crisis being fanned by Chief Ogua and the Committee.

“As your loyal and law abiding subjects who do not want to resort to self help due to the respect for the highly revered Benin monarchy, we still trust and believe that only your Royal Majesty’s wise counsel and intervention will bring peaceful definitive resolution in this matter to avert chaos,” the people said.

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

7 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

8 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

11 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.