By Wealth Oghenemaro
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has deposed Ovbokhan Igbinovia as the Chief Priest (Ohen) of Okhuoromi Community in Oredo Local Government Area over allegations of land grabbing, extortion, and gross violations of Benin customs and traditions.
The Oba declared the acts as abominable and unacceptable within the cultural framework of the kingdom.
According to the Palace, Igbinovia’s activities included illegal acquisition of land, extortion of residents, and unauthorized demolition of private properties — actions deemed criminal and contrary to the spiritual and communal responsibilities of a chief priest.
The verdict was conveyed by Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, to the elders of Okhuoromi, led by the village head, Pa. Oghagbon Edosomwan, who has now been tasked with overseeing the community on behalf of the Oba.
During a meeting with community representatives and victims at the Oba’s Palace, Chief Idah, along with other senior palace chiefs, warned that anyone who challenges the royal decision would face both legal consequences and ancestral wrath.
Oba Ewuare II stressed that the Benin throne does not tolerate criminality under any guise and reaffirmed the palace’s detachment from the misconduct associated with the deposed chief priest.
The monarch assured victims that justice would be served and urged those affected to submit pictorial or video evidence to aid the palace-led investigation into the extent of damage in the community.
