BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, deposed the Chief Priest of Okhuoromi Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Ovbokhan Igbinovia, over what the palace described as abominable practices and gross violations of Benin customs.
Igbinovia was stripped of his title of Ohen (Chief Priest) following a palace review that found him culpable in acts of land grabbing, extortion, and unauthorised demolition of private property.
The Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, conveyed the Oba’s decision to the elders of Okhuoromi, led by the Odionwere (village head), Pa. Oghagbon Edosomwan.
The Oba has now mandated Edosomwan to take over administration of the community on his behalf.
Accompanied by fellow palace chiefs, Chief Isaac Oyeoba (Oyeoba of Benin) and Chief Uyi Okungbowa (Ogua of Benin), Idah addressed community elders and victims of the alleged land grabbing and property destruction during a meeting at the Oba’s palace in Benin City.
Chief Idah warned that defiance of the Oba’s decision would attract both legal consequences and spiritual repercussions.
“Anyone who contravenes the verdict will incur the wrath of the law and ancestors,” he said.
The Oba, in a separate statement, condemned the alleged actions and distanced the royal institution from what he called “acts of lawlessness and criminality.”
He emphasised that the Benin throne does not tolerate such misconduct under any guise.
Oba Ewuare urged the people of Okhuoromi to remain peaceful and avoid retaliatory actions. He assured victims of the alleged abuses that justice would be pursued.
“The Benin Palace has appointed chiefs to further investigate and assess the damage done to the community,” the monarch said.
He encouraged affected individuals to submit complaints, along with photographic and video evidence, to the appropriate authorities for redress.
