Leadership Of Orogho Dukedom Reject Allegations Against Enogie, Accuse Group of Plotting Leadership Crisis

The leadership and stakeholders of Orogho Dukedom in Ugu Ward, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have rejected allegations of poor administration, financial impropriety and marginalisation against the Enogie, His Royal Highness Prince Patrick Osayende Akenzua.

The stakeholders described the allegations as unfounded and an attempt by some individuals to undermine the traditional and administrative structures of the community.

Their reaction followed a recent press conference in Benin City where Osahon Imaru, Dr Israel Igbe and others called for intervention by the Oba of Benin, Edo State Government and other authorities.

The group had alleged that Orogho was being administered under an unpopular system and raised concerns about the leadership of the dukedom.

However, the Orogho community, through its Secretary, Ikponwosa Osayomore, elder Godwin Aguebor and youth representative Vincent Aiyeki, said Imaru and his associates lacked the mandate to speak for the community.

Osayomore said Orogho had an established leadership structure supported by a constitution developed by members of the community.

He explained that the constitution provides procedures for selecting representatives into the Orogho Community Council of Representatives.

According to him, the current disagreement was partly triggered by the failure of some individuals to secure nomination into the council through their respective quarters.

Osayomore stressed that individuals could not bypass the established community structure and claim to represent the entire dukedom.

He also rejected allegations that the Enogie had created a system of sub-Enigies or representatives to oppress members of the community.

On alleged oil-related funds, Osayomore challenged the accusers to provide details of the funds, including their source, amount, purpose and evidence of alleged misappropriation.

He questioned why relevant law-enforcement agencies had not established any wrongdoing if the allegations involved financial misconduct.

Osayomore further alleged that the controversy was an attempt to discredit the Enogie and weaken the traditional institution in Orogho.

He maintained that the Enogie, as the traditional representative of the Oba of Benin in Orogho, should be accorded the respect due to the institution.

Aguebor also dismissed claims that the Enogie had been absent from important traditional activities in the community.

He said the Enogie regularly visited Orogho and participated in major traditional festivals, including Igue and Ekaba.

Aguebor similarly rejected allegations of misappropriation of funds allegedly received from oil companies, challenging the accusers to identify the companies, amounts involved and beneficiaries.

He also disputed claims about the structure of Orogho Dukedom and rejected the description of the community as consisting of seven communities operating under sub-Enigies.

Aguebor cited development projects attributed to Seplat, including electricity, the Orogho-Umowun N’Okhua Road, school staff quarters and a perimeter fence around the primary school.

He appealed to the Edo State Government to investigate alleged encroachment on Orogho land by neighbouring communities from Delta State.

The elder also called for government attention to the status of oil wells allegedly located in Orogho but attributed to Delta State.

Youth representative Vincent Aiyeki alleged that Imaru attempted to establish a Community Development Association in Orogho in 2021 despite opposition from residents.

Aiyeki further alleged that violence occurred during the dispute and claimed that he and two others were shot during an alleged invasion of the community.

The stakeholders maintained that the dispute largely centred on community leadership, representation, resources and the authority to speak on behalf of Orogho, while several allegations and counter-allegations remain disputed.

They appealed to the Edo State Government to intervene in the leadership, boundary and oil-well issues, while urging anyone making allegations of financial or administrative wrongdoing to provide concrete evidence to the appropriate authorities.