Tension In Edo As Oba Of Benin, Governor Obaseki Clash

The palace of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has once again clashed with Governor Godwin Obaseki, asserting that the activities of Okaigheles (youth leaders) have not been banned in the seven local government areas of Edo South Senatorial District.

The palace emphasized that the Okaigheles are a fundamental part of the long-standing Benin traditional administrative structure. Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, made this statement while addressing the protesting Edo South Okaigheles who sought intervention from the palace.

Governor Obaseki had announced on June 3 that over 150 Edo State residents had died due to cult-related activities and homicides in less than six months, prompting him to declare war on cultism in the state. As part of these efforts, Obaseki banned the activities of Okaigheles in the seven LGAs of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Ovia Northeast, Ovia Southwest, Orhionmwon, and Uhunmwonde.

After a meeting with security chiefs, Governor Obaseki stated that the ban on Okaigheles was a renewed effort to combat cultism. However, Chief Idah assured that the palace would engage in dialogue with the Edo State government on this contentious issue, as noted in a statement by the Oba’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro.

The Obazelu, accompanied by the Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Oghafua Oyeoba, and the Ogua of Benin, Chief Uyi Okungbowa, stressed that the palace would not protect any individual involved in criminal activities.

“Okaighele is not a new concept in Benin Kingdom. It has existed for centuries, assisting the Odionwere (village head) in daily administration,” Idah explained. “It cannot be banned by fiat because it is a part of Benin’s ancestral heritage. We will communicate your concerns to the appropriate authorities.”

He also urged the Okaigheles to maintain peace and order, warning that the palace would support government action against any form of violence or misconduct.

Comrade Rowland Ogbomo, spokesperson for the aggrieved youths and village heads in Edo South, stated that Okaighele is a creation of the Oba’s palace. He expressed surprise over the governor’s ban and appealed to the Oba for urgent intervention, clarifying that the Okaigheles are not cultists but are responsible for maintaining law and order in accordance with Benin’s native laws and customs.