Orior-Ozolua community demands removal of youth leader over prolonged tenure, rising insecurity

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A serious leadership crisis is brewing in Orior-Ozolua Community, located in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, as residents have united in demanding the removal of Elder Osasere Egharevba from the position of Okaighele (Youth Leader), a post they claim he has held unlawfully for nearly two decades.

In a petition jointly signed by representatives of the community’s elders, youths, women, and concerned residents, the group raised alarm over worsening insecurity, rising tension, and the risk of violent conflict.

They accused Elder Egharevba of violating both traditional customs and constitutional provisions governing leadership in the community.

According to the petitioners, Elder Egharevba was appointed Okaighele in 2008. 

However, in 2012, he was promoted into the Council of Elders by the late Enogie of the community, His Royal Highness Osakpamwan Osemwengie. 

By long-established custom and in accordance with the pronouncements of the Oba of Benin, this elevation should have disqualified him from retaining any youth leadership position. 

Despite this, he has allegedly continued to hold on to power in defiance of tradition and the community's two-year term limit for youth leaders.

The situation reportedly worsened in 2023 when a new Odionwere was appointed, allegedly with the influence of Elder Egharevba who controversially reinstated him as Okaighele. 

This move, the residents say, was made without the knowledge or consent of the wider community.

For the past 17 years, the petition states, Orior-Ozolua has suffered from stagnation, youth unrest, and increased criminal activity, including land speculation and the harassment of residents and land developers. 

The community blames Elder Egharevba and his alleged network of armed supporters for the instability.

Currently, the community said that it is living in fear, with reports of armed individuals intimidating residents and creating a climate of fear. 

The petitioners warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could spiral into violence and lawlessness.

Led by spokesperson and Youth Secretary Ajayi Nehikhare, alongside respected elders, including Pa Imafidon Edionsere and Pa Daniel Imagbenikaro, the group is calling on the Oba of Benin and the Governor of Edo State to step in immediately. 

They demand the removal of Elder Egharevba, a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his prolonged tenure, and the establishment of a properly constituted and inclusive youth leadership structure.

However, Elder Egharevba denied the claim of his alleged role in the community’s unrest and tenure elongation, noting that he was reappointed in November 2023 by the present Odionwere.

With the threat of violence looming, the residents say timely intervention is essential to restore peace, uphold tradition, and safeguard the future of Orior-Ozolua Community.

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