Iguovbiobo elders back Oba Ewuare II, dismiss bribery claims over Odionwere tussle

Elders and residents of Iguovbiobo community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State have lauded the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin for stepping into the lingering Odionwere dispute and restoring calm in the community.

At an enlarged meeting of the community, elders, including Pa Jonathan Osagie, Pa John Agbonlahor and Mr David Omoruyi said that they convened the gathering to appreciate the Benin monarch for his wisdom and decisive handling of the matter.

They disclosed that the Oba directed the two elders contesting the Odionwere position to appear at the palace with their first sons to swear to an oath that would determine who is truly the eldest.

The elders also rejected allegations circulating on social media that some chiefs received bribes in connection with the dispute, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unrest in the community.

“We were still waiting for the two elders contesting for the Odionwere position when some persons who do not mean well for the community went on social media to cast aspersions with the intention of causing problems,” they said.

The community leaders urged residents and the general public to ignore the allegations, insisting that the people accepted the palace ruling and remained committed to peace.

They added that anyone convinced of his claim to the position should obey the palace directive and take the required oath.

The Okaighele of Iguovbiobo, Mr Austin Evbuowan, also praised the Oba of Benin for restoring peace in the community through his intervention.

Evbuowan condemned what he called unfounded allegations against some chiefs on social media and urged all parties involved in the dispute to respect the palace ruling in the interest of lasting peace.

He further alleged that those opposing the oath-taking process had resorted to social media campaigns to create tension in the community.

He appealed to those spreading bribery allegations against some chiefs to stop the publications and allow peace to reign in Iguovbiobo community.