Members of the Orior Ozolua community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State staged a peaceful protest on Monday, calling for the immediate removal of Elder Osasere Egharevba from his position as “Okaighele” (youth leader).
Protesters allege that Egharevba has held the position for 37 years, far exceeding the community’s stipulated two-year tenure limit, leading to instability and insecurity.
Elders, women, and youths from the community marched to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Benin City, carrying placards bearing messages such as “Elder Osasere Egharevba, Leave the Youths Alone” and “Elder Osasere Must Go.”
Community Youth Leader, Ajayi Nehikhare, voiced the community’s concerns, alleging that Egharevba’s prolonged leadership has fostered insecurity, a leadership crisis, and threatens the overall peace and stability of Orior Ozolua. “His continued stay in power has brought nothing but stagnation and unrest to our community,” Nehikhare stated.
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Nehikhare appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to intervene urgently and investigate Egharevba’s continued role in youth leadership.
He further claimed that Egharevba was initially appointed as youth leader in 2008 and subsequently promoted to the Council of Elders in 2012, a move that, according to community tradition, should have disqualified him from holding any further youth leadership positions.
The community further accused Egharevba and his alleged armed loyalists of contributing to stagnation, youth restiveness, and a rise in insecurity within Orior Ozolua. They claim his presence has encouraged land speculation, intimidation of residents, and a pervasive climate of fear. The protesters also highlighted concerns about the presence of armed elements roaming freely, potentially escalating into violent confrontations.
“Armed elements are reportedly roaming freely, creating fear and instability in the area, with the risk of violent confrontation looming,” Nehikhare emphasized.
Responding to the allegations, Elder Osasere Egharevba dismissed the claims as “unfounded and baseless.” He maintains that he was legitimately reappointed as “Okaighele” by the newly installed “Odionwere” (village head) in November 2023, asserting that his position remains valid despite the community’s claims of overstaying his mandate.
