The priest of Okhuoromi community in Oredo Local Government Area, Ovbokhan Igbinovia, has been relieved from his position over alleged unauthorized demolition of private properties, land grabbing, and extortion.
According to reports, the allegations leveled against the priest were a violation of Benin customs and tradition.
The priest of the community was fired by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
The Oba’s order was conveyed by Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, to the elders of Okhuoromi, led by its Odionwere (village head), Pa. Oghagbon Edosomwan, and mandated the village head to administer the area on his behalf.
Idah, who was joined by other palace chiefs to include Isaac Oyeoba (Oyeoba of Benin) and Chief Uyi Okungbowa (Ogua of Benin), while addressing Okhuoromi elders and victims of the land grabbing and those whose property was demolished, said anyone who contravenes the verdict would incur the wrath of the law and ancestors.
The Oba pointed out that the Benin throne does not support acts of lawlessness and criminality under any guise, distanced the palace from the alleged violation, urged the people of the community to eschew violence.
The monarch disclosed that palace chiefs have been assigned to further investigate and assess the level of damages in the community, and assured the victims that justice would be served in due course.
He advised the victims to channel their complaints with evidence including pictorial and video to the appropriate authorities.
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