The Oba of Benin Palace has upheld the resolution put forth by the elders of Obagie N’ Evbosa village. The collective decision, spearheaded by the village’s Odionwere, Pa. Omozuhiomwen Okungbowa, involved the elevation of Mr. Festus Ekenaiye Edegbe, formerly the Okaighele (Youth Leader), to the revered position of Edion within the Elders’ Council of the village, situated in the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Village Head had previously announced the appointment of Mr. Uyi Igiebor as the new Okaighele (Youth Leader) during a visit to the Palace with fellow elders. Pa. Okungbowa, in adherence to the Palace directive aimed at fostering peace within the community, expressed his commitment to the resolution.
However, he lamented that his past attempts to encourage Mr. Edegbe to present himself to the village elders for induction as an elder had been met with resistance.
In a gathering of Obagie N’ Evbosa elders, Chief Osaro Idah, holding the esteemed title of Obazelu of Benin, carefully considered the various perspectives presented during the dispute. Chief Obazelu, accompanied by other Palace Chiefs, emphasized that the appointment of an Okaighele rests within the prerogative of the Odionwere, in consultation with other village elders.
Cautioning against the relinquishment of communal land to individuals or Palace functionaries as a negotiating tool, Chief Idah underscored the significance of preserving communal assets. Furthermore, he tasked the Second most senior elder, Pa. Igbinovia Owenaze, and four other elders of Obagie N’ Evbosa to validate the deposition of the Odionwere before the Palace—a validation that received unanimous endorsement from the designated elders.
IMAGE: ThisDayLive
