Stakeholders from seven communities in Orogho Dukedom, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have petitioned the Oba of Benin over alleged mismanagement of funds by their traditional ruler, the Enogie, Prince Patrick Osayande Akenzua. The indigenes claim that despite receiving monies from oil companies operating in the area, the dukedom has remained underdeveloped. They briefed journalists in Benin on Wednesday, highlighting their grievances against the Enogie.
The seven communities involved are Orogho, Uwuo, Obagie Nunuamen, Iwevbo, Ugbigun, Obanakhoro, and Ekhigbe. According to the convener, Osahon Imaru, the Enogie has introduced representatives in each community who now oppress residents. The group alleges that the Enogie mismanaged funds accruing to the dukedom, citing the alleged diversion of ₦38.5 million disbursed by NEW CROSS Petroleum to ancestral land owners and communities along its pipeline corridor.
The stakeholders also alleged the illegal sale of a large parcel of land at Ere-Egwa farm in the Savannah area without community consent. However, they claimed that the land was retrieved after some indigenes of Orogho and Owuo blocked attempts to procure a Certificate of Occupancy for the land at the Ministry of Lands and Survey. Imaru stated that they have documents to back their claims and had first sought to resolve the matter internally.
The group later petitioned the Oba of Benin through the Benin Traditional Council, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Orhionmwon Local Government Council, following what they described as autocratic leadership by the Enogie. The stakeholders expressed their desire for transparency and participation of all seven communities in decisions affecting them, emphasizing that they are not against the traditional institution.
On the suspended election in the area, the group welcomed the development, seeing it as an opportunity for proper resolution of the crises. Imaru emphasized that the communities respect the Enogie stool but want accountability and development in the dukedom. The stakeholders appealed to the Oba of Benin and government authorities to intervene to ensure peace and accountability.
The petitioners believe that the intervention of the Oba of Benin and government authorities will bring an end to the alleged mismanagement of funds and ensure that the dukedom benefits from its resources. They also hope that their concerns will be addressed, and the communities will experience development and peace.
The situation in Orogho Dukedom highlights the challenges faced by some communities in Nigeria, where traditional institutions and government authorities must work together to ensure accountability and development. The outcome of the petition and the intervention of the Oba of Benin will be closely watched by stakeholders in the area.
Key points
- The stakeholders alleged that the Enogie diverted ₦38.5 million disbursed by NEW CROSS Petroleum.
- The group petitioned the Oba of Benin through the Benin Traditional Council and other government agencies.
- The stakeholders welcomed the suspended election in the area, seeing it as an opportunity for proper resolution of the crises.
