Oba of Benin Intervenes in Oriozolua Dispute


By Chris Akhabue 


In what appears as a tradition of excellence in crisis management and conflicts resolution in administration of justice in Benin Kingdom, the revered monarch, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare 11, the Oba of Benin, on the 21st January 2026, waded into the lingering dispute generated by who becomes the next Odionwere of Oriozolua community by sending high power delegation of palace chiefs on a fact finding mission to seek mutually acceptable way of resolving the conflict.
The delegation, led by Chief Akenuwa, met with residents and community leaders to gather firsthand information and explore mutually acceptable solutions to the conflict, which has generated tension within the community.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Akenuwa appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid violence, stressing that the Oba does not tolerate falsehood in any matter brought before the palace.
“The Oba wants the truth from all sides. We have also visited another location where some persons claimed to represent the Oriozolua community, and we are here to verify the facts,” he said, urging all parties to cooperate honestly with the delegation.

During the visit, the delegation requested the identification of the most elderly members of the community and key leaders. Pa Osarumwense Oriakhi was identified as the most elderly man, followed by Cosmas Ikhile as second in hierarchy, Imafidon Ikhile as third, alongside other recognized community officials, including the Okaighele. Their names and contact details were documented for further engagement.

Chief Akenuwa emphasized that the visit was strictly for fact-finding and not for immediate judgment.
“We have not come to give judgment. We will return to meet all parties including those we met earlier at a common venue so that the truth can be established and lasting peace achieved,” he said, adding that the Oba remains committed to preventing violence and bloodshed in any part of the kingdom.

Another palace chief, Chief Osamonyi Igie (Okao), also urged the community to remain calm and patient while the palace completes its peace process, warning against any form of confrontation.

In his response, Mr Lucky Ekenomamwan, commended the Oba for intervening in what he described as a prolonged leadership dispute. He expressed confidence that the palace delegation would uncover the truth and resolve the matter fairly.

According to him, the traditional practice in Benin Kingdom requires that the oldest person in the community be appointed Odionwere, a process he alleged had been compromised in Oriozolua.

He also appealed to the youth to remain peaceful despite provocations, noting that sustained peace would promote development in the community and the wider Benin Kingdom.

Several elders welcomed the palace intervention. Pa Osarumwense Oriakhi thanked the Oba for sending emissaries to determine the rightful Odionwere, expressing optimism that justice would prevail. 

Another elder, Pa Godwin Imafidon Edionsere, said the delegation’s engagement had restored confidence that the issue would soon be resolved.

Pa Cosmas Ikhile similarly expressed hope that the palace would ensure that the appropriate person is appointed in line with tradition.

Also speaking, Prince Osaro Ogieron, son of the late Enogie of Oriozolua, described the Oba’s intervention as timely, saying the community now anticipates a fair and transparent resolution.

The palace delegation is expected to return for further consultations as part of efforts to bring the dispute to a peaceful conclusion.

All efforts to reach Pa J. O Imadiyi who is alleged to be struggling for the position of Odionwere in Oriozolua community was unsuccessful as his phone number was switched off. 

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