BY IDAHOSA MUSA
Concerned elders of Oke-Oroma village in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have praised Governor Monday Okpebholo and His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, for restoring their statutory rights and recognising their independent status.
Their commendation follows years of alleged hostility with residents of Amagba Adolor in Oredo Local Government Area.
The two communities are separated by the Oroma River, which has long served as a natural boundary.
During a solidarity rally in Oke-Oroma, elders and neighbours from Obagie N’ Evbuosa carried placards depicting their grievances and reaffirmed their loyalty to the Governor for upholding the Benin monarch’s decision, which confirmed that Amagba Adolor and Oke-Oroma are distinct villages.
The elders said the intervention has brought relief to the Oke-Oroma community, promising to respect the resolution despite past aggression that led to the displacement of many residents.
One elder, Mr Osahon Eghaghe Emokpae, thanked Oba Ewuare II and Governor Okpebholo for defending their rights.
He emphasised the historical significance of the Oroma River as a boundary separating Amagba and Obazagbon (both in Oredo LGA) from Oke-Oroma and Obagie N’ Evbuosa (both in Ikpoba-Okha LGA).
Emokpae questioned why aggressors from Amagba would trespass into Ikpoba-Okha territory, despite the clear natural demarcation, and described the Oroma River as the key to resolving the dispute.
Pa Edosomwan Ekenomaighele, an elder from Obagie N’ Evbuosa, noted that the affected communities share ancestral ties dating back centuries but accused land grabbers and violent actors of fueling the conflict.
Mrs Hannah Eghaghe, another Oke-Oroma native, expressed gratitude for the support of the Oba and Governor, highlighting how their stand on fairness and respect for human rights has allowed displaced families to return home and rebuild their lives.
Mr Osasco Osadolor acknowledged that the boundary dispute was resolved following the Oba’s declaration but stressed the need for continued vigilance to prevent further encroachment.
Meanwhile, Pa Omozuhiomwen Aiguobatile, the Odionwere of Obagie N’ Evbuosa, whose mother hails from Amagba, affirmed that the Oroma River has historically marked the boundary, citing the consistent rulings of Oba Akenzua, Oba Erediauwa, and Oba Ewuare II.
The centenarian elder warned those attempting to disrupt the peace process initiated by the Oba of Benin and Governor Okpebholo, urging all parties to prioritise peace and justice.
