Edo Community Calls for Urgent Intervention amidst Leadership Crisis

 Our reporter

The residents of Iguovbiobo in the Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have issued a desperate plea for help, alleging years of oppression under the imposed leadership of Mr. Bright Oviasogie.

According to community members, Oviasogie, referred to as "Leader" in local political terms, was appointed as an aide by the late Odionwere (village head), Pa. Jacob Osaighae, despite the existence of a youth leader (Okaighele) and a Council of elders. Since then, Oviasogie is accused of usurping power, administering the community as an autocrat, and subjecting residents to harassment and violence.

Elderly resident Pa. Nosa Ugowe, speaking on behalf of the community, detailed how the late Odionwere and his Council operated the village from Benin City, leaving Iguovbiobo in a state of neglect.

"They live in Benin City, sell our land, and pocket the proceeds. None of them own houses in the village or care about its development," he lamented.

Ugowe added that despite donations from residents abroad to support the community, these funds have allegedly been embezzled by Oviasogie and his associates. The community, he said, is plagued by erosion, a lack of electricity, and inadequate infrastructure, with no visible improvements under the current administration.

"Even after the Odionwere's death eight months ago, Oviasogie continues to wield power, side-lining the recognised Okaighele, Austin Evbuomwan," Ugowe explained.

The alleged leader has reportedly resorted to intimidation tactics, including police arrests, armed thuggery, and violence against dissenting voices. Multiple incidents of sporadic shootings and violent raids on the community have left many injured and fearful for their lives.

Mrs. Patience Salami, an elderly woman in the village, described the current situation as dire. "We live in constant fear. We can't sleep, walk freely, or go to the market or farm. We are appealing to the Oba of Benin, the State government, and security agencies to save us from this torment."

Youth leader Evbuomwan corroborated these accounts, accusing Oviasogie of selling off most of the community’s land and living in the City rather than the village.

"From the Odionwere to Oviasogie, none of them reside here. They’ve abandoned us and only come to exploit us," he said.

He urged the Edo State Government, security agencies, and the revered Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to intervene and restore peace and order to Iguovbiobo.

At the time of reporting, all efforts to contact Bright Oviasogie for a response were unsuccessful.