On the day Oba Ewuare II ascended the ancient throne of Benin, 20th October 2016 (his birth anniversary) he surprised so many by pronouncing the death of community development associations (CDA’s) in Edo South senatorial district where the Oba holds full sway. His royal fiat was quickly picked up by the Edo State Government and a bill to that effect was submitted to and passed by the State House of Assembly with much speed. That singular action of the Oba brought sanity and quietness to Edo State in terms of land related issues.
Prior to that change Benin communities were known for daily news in violent clashes which led to loss of lives and properties. Notable among them was the well publicized severing of the head of an Odionwere by daring youths in Iyekogba area of Benin City which led to people deserting the area and rumoured loss of diversion of a relocating bigtime factory to the east because of hostile youths.
What seems to be a plus to the king of Benin and indirect blessings to the people as physical development of Benin City and environ accelerated has become another curse. It is like a vicious circle in which efforts to ameliorate the original condition only tends to aggravates it.
Today, the youths who initially were displaced and power handed over to the elders of the various villages have come back forcefully to overthrown the authority again. In so many villages, CDA Chairmen metamorphosed as Oka-eghele (youth leader) and Oga-evbo (community service leader). Oka-eghele‘s (better still Ika-eghele in plural) in Benin kingdom were recognized for many centuries under a well organized administrative system to lead the youths who have come of age to carry out communal works such as clearing of public places, digging water wells and enforcement of orders given by the Odionwere (village head) and the elders. The Oga-evbo mainly functions in administration such as receiving visitors, external representation and other functions assigned to him but usually occupied by an elder.
After the enactment of the law prohibiting CDA’s which also recognized family land holdings, the powerful chairmen bribed their way and instantly became Ika-eghele. They manipulated corrupt elders by giving them money. These elders who can be called sellouts connived with the youths to expropriate family and individual lands with brazen arrogance. Some of the elders were offered cars and cash to compromise. And because they were no longer active farmers only depending on crumbs that fell out of the mouths of crafty youths, they willy-nilly surrendered their authority and power to the rampaging youngsters.
Currently, Benin kingdom has entered the bad news again. On daily basis the media is awash with different news of intra and inter-communal clashes, denials, accusations and counter-accusations. The conflicts are on the rise and who knows what it would become in future. Even the Oba is stunned that the palace have to recently issue stern warnings to various community leaders to behave accordingly. But would they hear the king?
It is on this rising phenomenon that Otu Notedoghewii is calling on the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, Edo State Government and well-meaning Binis to join forces to nip this new hydra head in the bud which we see as Jacob manifesting as Esau. A stitch in time saves nine!
Pastor (Dr) Festus Osayemwenre Egharevba, Chairman

A stitch in time saves nine!