A fresh turn has been taken in the leadership dispute surrounding Sokponba and Aideyanoba communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. The General Okaighele of Sokponba Dukedom, Mr. Godfrey Ogbonmwan, has rejected recent allegations against him by persons claiming to be leaders of Aideyanoba Community. These allegations question his position and the traditional structure of the area.
According to Ogbonmwan, the allegations are based on a misunderstanding of the relationship between Sokponba and Aideyanoba communities. He stated that Sokponba and Aideyanoba are distinct communities, but Aideyanoba remains a constituent community under the wider Sokponba Dukedom. The Dukedom comprises more than seven quarters and communities, including Aideyanoba, which has its own Odionwere, Pa Paul Aghayedo.
Ogbonmwan disputed any suggestion that Aghayedo is the Odionwere of the entire Sokponba Dukedom, saying his authority is limited to Aideyanoba quarter. He defended the legitimacy of his appointment as General Okaighele, saying he was selected, appointed, and installed in the presence of community elders, the Odionwere of Sokponba, women, and youth representatives.
The appointment was made with the knowledge and agreement of the community, with prayers offered and a letter of appointment issued. Ogbonmwan claimed that photographic and documentary evidence exists to support his account, including photographs from his installation at the Ogua-Edion on Ugbague Street, Sokponba, and the Ogua-Edion in Aideyanoba. Aghayedo was present and participated in the installation ceremony, according to Ogbonmwan.
Ogbonmwan described a September 15 publication against him as “null, void and of no effect,” urging members of the public to disregard the allegations. He stressed that his appointment was not intended to undermine the identity or traditional authority of any constituent community but to carry out a mandate from the elders aimed at promoting development, unity, and wellbeing in the Sokponba Dukedom.
The Sokponba Dukedom has multiple quarters and communities, and Ogbonmwan's role is to oversee these various quarters. He was presented to the Enogie, whom he described as the Duke and custodian of the Sokponba Dukedom, and was assigned this responsibility. The dispute between Sokponba and Aideyanoba communities has significant implications for the traditional structure and authority in the area.
The situation remains complex, with Ogbonmwan maintaining that his position is legitimate and that he will continue to work towards the development and unity of the Sokponba Dukedom. The community is watching closely as the leadership dispute continues to unfold.
Key points
- The General Okaighele of Sokponba Dukedom, Mr. Godfrey Ogbonmwan, rejects allegations questioning his position and traditional structure.
- Sokponba and Aideyanoba are distinct communities, but Aideyanoba remains a constituent community under the wider Sokponba Dukedom.
- Ogbonmwan's appointment as General Okaighele was made with the knowledge and agreement of the community, with prayers offered and a letter of appointment issued.
