By Francis Onoiribholo Bureau Chief, Benin
The Okaegben Development Association, Okaegben- Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State has vowed to resist any attempt to create another kingdom from the present Ewohimi kingdom.
The association has also refuted the claim by one Anthony Ugbegun Osaigbovo, who addressed himself as the Onojie of Okaegben community while celebrating the annual Ukpe Odu festival.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, association’s immediate past president, Sam Eboigbe, insisted that the claim by Osaigibovo, who is the chief priest of the Odu deity “was not only misleading and untrue but also a calculated attempt to cause confusion between Okaegben community and the entire Ewohimi kingdom under the kingship of Lord Peter Ojiefoh Usifoh 1, Onojie of Ewohimi.
“We want to use this opportunity to call on the people of Okaegben and Ewohimi to disregard that misinformation which can cause disunity and peace that has been in existence in Ewohimi Kingdom.
“We remain an integral part of Ewohimi and without Okaegben, Ewohimi is not complete. Lord Peter Ojiefoh Usifoh 1 is our Onojie and there are no other Onojie”, he said.
He insisted that Osaigbovo could not have assumed the role of a king of the Okaegben quarters when there was an Onojie in Ewohimi kingdom. While ruling out any move of secession by the Okaegben people, the association passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Onojie of Ewohimi, Lord Peter Ejiefor Usifo, whose reign, he said has brought peace, progress and unity to Ewohimi people.
“If we have any dispute, that does not mean that we want to separate ourselves from the kingdom. It is not done. We have hereditary chiefs in Okaegben. They were all crowned by the Onojie of Ewohimi. It is embarrassing and like we are saying, we have only one Onojie in Ewohimi, Okaegben is part of Ewohimi kingdom and there is no reason for another Onojie”, Eboigbe said.
Reacting to the association’s claim, Osaigbovo, who addressed himself as the Onojie-elect of Okaegben community, said he is the traditional ruler in waiting of Okaigben kingdom.
According to him, “We have presented papers to the state government and we are yet to get approval for autonomous community.
“My forefather came from Benin as the forefather of the Onojie of Ewohimi and I believe the people that are talking now maybe having maternal relationship with Ewohinmi, that is why they are supporting Ewohimi.
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