Leaders of Orior Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, comprising elders, youths and women have called for the removal of Elder Osasere Egharevba who they accused of occupying the position for seventeen years and after his promotion to the Elders Council of the community.
Members of the community led by Pa Imafidon Edionsere, Pa Amadin Ekofindu, Sunday Aiwekhoe and Pa Daniel Imagbenikaro made the call during a peaceful protest to the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) press centre in Benin City on Monday, 14 March.
Addressing the journalists, Pa Imafidon Edionsere.Pa Amadin Ekofindu, Sunday Aiwekhoe and Pa Daniel Imagbenikaro whose joint address was read by Ajayi Nehikhare, the Youth Secretary of the community, they appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo and Oba Ewuare II to come to their aid as according to them the Okaighele has flooded the community with armed thugs, heightening land speculation and scaring land developers in the community.
“We want to respectfully draw your urgent attention to the growing tension, insecurity, and leadership crisis currently threatening the peace and stability of our community. At the centre of this crisis is one Elder Osasere Egharevba, who has continued to unlawfully hold the position of Okaighele (Youth Leader) of our community for over 17 years, in violation of the community laws, which stipulates a 2-year tenure. ” Key Facts and Developments:
“Elder Osasere Egharevba was appointed as the youth leader in 2008. In 2012, he was promoted by His Royal Highness Osakpamwan Osemwengie the late Enogie of Orior Ozolua Community into the Council of Elders, a position that by custom and pronouncements of the Oba of Benin automatically disqualifies him from holding any position in the Youth Association and he can’t serve as the Okaighele (Youth Leader) and Odion (Elder),
“Despite this, Eider Osasere has refused to vacate the youth leadership position, thereby violating both the constitutional tenure limit and traditional protocols of leadership transition in our community.
“In 2023, he facilitated the appointment of a new Odionwere, who controversially reinstated him as Okaighele despite his status as a community elder and without the consent of the elders and youths of the community,
“For the past 17 years, the Orior Ozolua Community has suffered from stagnation, youth restiveness, and insecurity, largely fueled by the activities of Elder Osasere and his group of loyal armed thugs which has increased land speculation, intimidation of land developers, elders and residents of the community,
“Presently, our once peaceful community is under threat, with armed elements roaming freely, intimidating residents, and creating fear and instability. The possibility of violent confrontation and total breakdown of law and order looms dangerously.
While appealing to journalists to lend their voices to their call for the investigation of Elder Osasere Egharevba and his lackeys in Orior Community, the elders added: “Lend your voice in calling on the palace and the Governor to take swift and decisive action to address this brewing crisis in the Orior Ozolua Community before it snowballs into loss of lives and destruction of properties
“Call for the immediate investigation and removal of Elder Osasere Egharevba from the position Okaighele, which he no longer qualifies to hold
“Call for a transparent, constitutionally guided restructuring of youth leadership in the community.
“Your intervention at this critical time is necessary to avert chaos, protect lives and property, and restore confidence in our traditional leadership and governance structures. We believe in your commitment to justice, peace, and inclusive development for all communities in Edo State”.
Addressing the protesters, Chairman of NUJ, Edo State Council, Dr. Festus Alenkhere urged them to ensure that the protest is not hijacked by hoodlums to unleash mayhem on unsuspecting members of the public, assuring that their message will be given adequate publicity by journalists.
Responding to the allegations in an interview by journalists, Elder Osasere Egharevba said the allegations were uufounded and baseless as he was appointed by the new Odionwere in November 2023.