Embattled Edo Village Head Begs Benin Monarch

Abavo Kingsley

Embattled traditional ruler of Evbomama village in Ikpoba – Okha local Government Area of Edo State, Stephen Avenbuan Ohangbon has pleaded for an audience with the Benin Monarch, HRM, Oba Ewuare II.

Stephen Avenbuan Ohangbon was on Tuesday, 26 September, 2017 suspended from office as the Enogie of Evbomama by the Monarch.

This follows accusation of molestation of Palace Chiefs against him and his people when they were in the village to carry out official assignment of boundary demarcation between them and a neigbouring village; Okearoma on Thursday, 14 September, 2017.

He was consequently alongside his [Odionwere] village Head suspended indefinitely from office and the third man in the hierarchy of leadership asked to take over the saddle.

But the suspended Enogie said he could not have molested the Palace Chiefs neither allowed his people to do so hence his plea that the Monarch grants him audience to enable him state his own side of the story.

The letter he wrote to the Monarch and made available to our reporter in Benin City reads:  “Your Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare N’ Ogidigan II, the Oba of Benin, I wish that you kindly invite me and the Palace Chiefs that were sent to settle the boundary dispute between Evbuomama and Okearoma village on Thursday, 14 September, 2017 to enumerate the offences leveled against the  suspended Enogie of Evbomama village in Ikpoba – Okha Local Government Area .

“I believe with your permission the suspended Enogie will have the chance to respond and explain himself according to the allegation that led to his suspension.”

The embattled Enogie said his village and its neighbor; Okearoma have been engrossed in a lingering tussle over a particular land mass which threatened peace and harmony in the area.

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