By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
The Enogie (Duke) of Obagie N’Evbuosa in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo State, Prince Stephen Usiemwanta Imadonmwanyi may sack the Okaighele (traditional youth leader) of the community, Mr. Festus Edegbe Ekinaye over allegation of misconduct leveled against him by some youths of the community.
Consequently, he has been placed on probation between September 1, 2019 and May 2020. This is to give the Okaighele, who had been on suspension for the past month, a second chance.
He was told never to convene exclusive youths meeting, rather, to always hold meetings with elders in the community, as land matters are not decided by youths.
The Enogie, Prince Stephen Usiemwanta Imadonmwanyi said investigation into the allegation against the Okaighele was ongoing and if found culpable, it would open the door for others to indicate interest in the position.
The Enogie disclosed this while addressing elders and youths of the community at a meeting held at the Oguedion (Elders Chamber) of Obagie N’Evbuosa, on Sunday.
He however appealed to his subjects to forgive whoever may have offended them as he had also forgiven in the overall interest, unity, peace and development of the community.
He however explained that the position of Okaighele was not for life or hereditary as the system that made him can also unmake him.
The Odionwere of Obagie N’Evbuosa Pa Iguobatile Okungbowa warned his community against violation of the directives of the Benin monarch Oba Ewuare II, as he would never support any act that would attract Oba’s curse to his ancestral home.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, the Okaighele of Obagie N’Evbuosa Community Mr. Festus Edegbe Ekinaye who was escorted to the gathering by armed mobile policemen and soldiers thanked the Enogie, elders and youths for their supports.He solicited more support as he resumes office this week.
Mr. Ekinaye who denied the allegation that he hired hoodlums to foment trouble in Obagie N’Evbuosa last month, appealed for forgiveness as they were one indivisible family.
It would be recalled that the Enogie and elders of Obagie N’Evbuosa Community had on Sunday, August 11, 2019 pacified some youths of the locality who protested against their Okaighele Mr. Festus Edegbe Ekinaye for alleged deployment of hoodlums to foment trouble in the area.
Mr. Festus Ekinaye, in reaction said the protest was orchestrated by some youths eyeing his seat of Okaighele.
