Youths and other residents of Okhuoromi Community in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, have staged a protest against the alleged move to reinstate Ovhokhan, the former Ohen of the community, who was earlier removed by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Led by Felix Edokpayi, the protesters marched to the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), condemning what they described as plans to return Ovhokhan to power. They accused his reign of being marred by land grabbing, multiple land sales, harassment of citizens, intimidation, and illegal demolition of private properties.
In a protest letter addressed to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and signed by Edokpayi, Luis Igbinoba, and Odigie Daniel Osayande, the group outlined the alleged atrocities of the former Ohen, insisting his removal by the Benin Monarch was justified.
“We have been alerted to discussions regarding a possible reinstatement of the former Ohen of Okhuoromi,” the letter read. “Such a move would be a direct threat to the peace and stability of our community. The individual in question presided over a period of unprecedented lawlessness. His actions constitute criminal offences that undermine the laws of Edo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The protesters urged Governor Okpebholo and Oba Ewuare II to reject any move to restore Ovhokhan, warning that such an action would destabilize the fragile peace in Okhuoromi.
“As Chief Security Officer of the State, we urge Your Excellency to issue a clear directive against the reinstatement of the former Ohen,” the letter further stated. “We also request that all documented cases of land fraud, unlawful demolition, and harassment linked to him be investigated by the State Security Agencies, and that justice be served.”
The group reaffirmed its trust in the governor’s leadership to uphold justice and protect law-abiding residents of Okhuoromi from those who exploit traditional office for criminal purposes.
