Elders of Iyowa Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have blamed a dissident group led by Samson Ederaro Obaze for the disturbances in the locality.

They appealed to all relevant authorities to come rescue them from continued harassment and threat to their lives.

Obaze had denied the allegations leveled against him by his kinsmen in a section of the Media.

But the Okaeghele (youth Leader) of Iyowa Community, Amb. Etionsa Ohienegbeomwanegiabu Ighodaro, said the denial was mere face saving; citing the recent arrest of his son; Famous along the suspected hoodlums who were in the Village to wreak havoc.

The Okaeghele recalled that on Saturday, 6 April, 2021, strange faces who were discovered to be acting on the directive of Samson Ederaro Obaze, came to Iyowa Village with intent to wreak havoc.

He also alleged that after the arrest of Famous and the other suspects, further investigation revealed that a stockpile of arms and ammunition were allegedly kept in Obaze’s house, and recovered.

“It was Obaze’s son; Famous who opened the door to the house and led the police to where the weapons were recovered.

“This happened in the presence of the Police, Vigilante operatives; they are witness.”

He said Obaze does not live in Iyowa as other members of his gang.

He also denied he never led any uprising to chase Samson Edeararo Obaze out of the Village, as he claimed.

Members of the Council of Elders, Joseph Osamwenho, and Aghamioghogho Igbinawahia affirmed narration of the Okaeghele.

They told Journalists that Samson Edeararo Obaze after the death of the past Odionwere, imposed himself in the saddle without the due process of his presentation to the Oba by people of Iyowa and approval.

This is even when it is not three years after the passing of the late Odionwere, as stipulated by the native law and custom, and against the directive of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.

Secretary of the Community, elder F.O.N. Igbinomwnahia further reacting, said the denial of Samson Ederaro Obaze of arms and ammunition found in his house and his son, Famous involvement was absurd.

“The house where the guns were found belongs to Samson Ederaro Obaze, and he doesn’t live here.

“On the said day, he came to the Village with this group of Youths who we thought were Vigilantes; we didn’t know that they were on a sinister mission. But thank God, they were unable to execute it.”

“They were arrested by the Police and confessed to having arms and ammunition hidden in Samson Edeararo Obaze’s house in Iyowa.

“His son; Famous Obaze was the one who came with the keys to open the door, led the security operatives in to where the guns were found.

“So why is he saying it is the Okaeghele and the people of Iyowa that are disturbing him? He doesn’t live here, from Benin, he mobilizes thugs to come destabilize the Community here”, he said.

 32 total views