The passage to the Great Beyond of Enogie of Obazuwa/Ikoro, HRH Prince Edun Akenzua, MFR, FNGE has been announced in Benin City.

The announcement was made in a public statement by Enogie of Evbuobanosa, HRH Prof. Gregory Akenzua on behalf of the Benin Royal Family.

Prince Edun Akenzua was installed Enogie of Obazuwa/Ikoro on the 1st January 1988 by the then Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba Erediauwa, CFR and gazetted as such by Bendel State Government.

Before installation the Enogie was a renowned and consummate journalist, social commentator and author of EKALADERHAN, a historical book on the origin of Obaship in Benin Kingdom.

The book effectively chronicled the travails of the Benin Prince, EKALADERHAN, the only son of the last Ogiso, Owodo to Ife. In Edun Akenzua's account, he wandered from Urhuokhokho where the royal executors released him against the king's order and settled at Ughoton. But when it became unsafe to continue living there he wandered afar and found himself in Ile-Ife where he was accepted and became king (Oba) in Yorubaland.

Ogiso Owodo later died without a heir and it plunged Igodomigodo, as Benin was known then, into crises as hostlers came on board.. The people sought Ekaladerhan after news came that he was still alive. When emissaries found him in Ife he refused to come home as he was old and already king over there. Instead he sent his son, Oromiyan, who became Oba (Yoruba term for king) but had extreme troubles ruling them.

Oromiyan nicknamed Igodomigodo Ile-Ubini (land of vexation) and went back but the Egor princess, Erinmwinde, he impregnated gave birth to a dumb son. When he later after he hit one of the mysterious marbles his father (Oromiyan) sent the child exclaimed 'Owomika, meaning'my hand has conquered.' Owomika, corrupted as Eweka, became the second Oba of Benin (Ubini).

He was the first editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Observer newspaper. He founded the defunct Akenzua Television, producing important programmes for broadcast.

The Benin Prince served as a member of Edo State Movement creation committee from 1981 to 1983, when the soldiers truncated the Second Republic.

Enogie Edun Akenzua chairmanned the Great Benin Centenary Committee that organized the commemoration of the centenary of the British invasion of Benin in 1897. In the process he visited Lisbon, Portugal who Benin had diplomatic relationship in Oba Esigie's reign in the 16th century and other European countries. The centenary brought renowned scholars and tourists from across the globe to the ancient city in January 1997.

The Enogie, when Senator David Mark was the President of the Nigeria Senate, led five ethnic groups, Benin, Itsekiri, Ilaje, Ibibio and Efik, to protest the ambition of the Ijaws to annexe their individual territories to form their own states in the Niger-Delta area.

Before his death he was the founder and chairman of Benin Leaders of Thought, a pan-socio-cultural group advancing the overall interests of Benin. He championed the repatriation of Benin artefacts scattered all over the world carted away by the Britons in January 1897, and before his death several artefacts were returned to the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

Prince Akenzua, in his lifetime, continually defended and promoted the interests of Benin Kingdom in many ramifications. He lived for eighty-seven (87) years, just fifty days before his next birthday, 15th September.

He was awarded Nigeria's national honour, Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Fellow, Nigeria Guild of Editors by his professional peers.

His Royal Highness was the uncle to current Oba of Benin, HRM Ewuare II who at a time lived with him while growing up.

Prince Edun Akenzua would be remembered for his cerebral gift in recalling long past events with ease even at old age and putting you on the edge when you come before him.

Our Enogie will surely be missed by many for his strict insistence on orderliness.

We at Otu Notedoghewii, Group for the Protection of Benin Land, says okhionwie (Adieu) to the quintessential Enogie.
Signed: Pastor (Dr) Festus Osayemwenre Egharevba, Chairman.

A list of twenty elders from Obazuwa community was officially presented to the Enogie, HRH Prince Edun Akenzua, MFR on the 24th day of February 2022. This was done after proper scrutiny by both the elders and youths at different fora.
Briefing the Enogie, Pastor Festus Egharevba who read out the scrutinized names, recalled that since the death of the last Odionwere, Pa Francis Uhunamure Egharevba in 2014, there has not been an accepted order of seniority of the elders.
This according to the clergyman resulted in a lot of strifes that brought communal activities to a low esteem and created room for various unpleasant developments to spring up. On the whole Obazuwa was at the receiving end of persons who were claiming the positions that didn’t befit them.
He further said that by this arrangement the friction that existed in the village over the rankings of elders has been laid to rest as this was the first time the people sat down to put things in the proper perspective.
The first twenty elders in the order of seniority recognised by the community is as follows:
1. DEACON SUNDAY OSAGIE EGHAREVBA
2. CHIEF SUNDAY OBABUEKI
3. MR ROLAND AIMUAMWOSA AGIDI
4. MR MONDAY OSAYANDE
5. MR JOSEPH AIGBODUWA
6. MR ALEX EMWIONGBON
7. MR THOMAS UHUNMWAGHO
8. MR FELIX OMORUYI
9. MR JOSEPH OSARUMWENSE
10. MR FRIDAY OSAYANDE
11. MR SUNDAY OGBEIDE
12. MR DANIEL PALMER
13. MR JOHN IDABIE
14. MR ISOKEN EGHAREVBA
15. MR JOHN OGIEMWONYI
16 MR ALEX UKPONMWAN
17. MR RICHARD IBIZUGBE
18. MR MONDAY OGBEIDE
19. MR ANDREW OHENHEN
20. MR UHUNOMA EGHAREVBA
Responding, the Enogie, Prince Edun Akenzua, a veteran journalist who is the uncle to the present Oba of Benin, HRM Ewuare II, thanked the people who visited to inform him of the adoption of the elders' order without rancour.
He however advised that the most senior elder
who is the Odionwere-designate would be formally installed as Odionwere at the appropriate time.
The Enogie commended all those that played one role or the other in restoring peace and order in his domain.
However, the Enogie and all present unanimously resolved that all other elders ordained without the knowledge and permission of his Highness cannot be admitted into the elders forum because it was carried out by illegality.
Other speakers at the occasion included Deacon Sunday Egharevba, Monday Osayande, Alex Ukponmwan, Sunday Ogbeide, Anthony Idahosa, Sunday Ohenhen,and Samson Ogbemudia amongst others.
They all examined the precarious conditions that pervaded the community and sued for shift in communal orientation in order to effect positive changes.
The meeting was well attended by youths who have been bearing the brunt of the communal conflicts over the years. The recorded attendance was sixty-six persons, an all-time high in community affairs in recent periods.
On the abuse of the land resources by some unscrupulous persons who arrogated illegal power to themselves, the traditional ruler who is a member of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers, ordered that thorough verification exercise be carried out immediately to sieve the fraudulent transactions from the genuine.
To this end further construction work should be stopped at housing sites until issues surrounding the acquisition of lands are properly settled.
In the resolution passed persons connected with properties in Obazuwa were admonished to submit two copies each of the documents of ownership along with the originals for sighting at the village.
The Enogie implored the citizens to remain law-abiding and refrain from any act that will lead to a breach of the peace.

It was joy unlimited at Obazuwa Village in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State on the 19th February 2022 when the people unanimously appointed Deacon Sunday Osagie Egharevba as the Ozeukpogieva of the ancient community.

At an enlarged meeting of elders and youths held at the Oguaedion on the 19th February 2022, the community without opposition accepted the octogenarian as the substantive Ozeukpogieva, next to the Odionwere, village head, in Benin administrative system.

For about eight years there have been no Odionwere in the community after the death of the last occupant, Pa Francis Uhunamure Egharevba, eldest brother of the second-in-command.

Due to the several disputes that rocked the serene community on who should be the appropriate person to occupy the exalted office, the people were not able to resolve the lingering issues for almost one decade. Some elders who were probably driven by selfish interests in collaboration with certain youths jostled for the number one non-hereditary position.

This condition pitched various vested groups against themselves a situation that left the community divided along familial and social lines. Obazuwa was left a great loser because the incohesion allowed some elements to rip off the commonwealth of the village to their own advantage.

It wasn't surprising that the neighbour communities capitalised on the anomaly to penetrate the fringes to trespass her large bush expanse for land grabbing.

It was this kind of poor scenario that led to crisis that resulted in armed youths from her neighbour attacking Obazuwa on the 6th August 2021 which led to the death of Pa Michael Igbinovia and arson and looting.

In the process some disgruntled persons ganged up and rebelled against the authority of the Enogie by attempting to impose an illegal administration on the dukedom. But the Enogie, HRH Prince Edun Akenzua, MFR summoned courage and obtained a court ruling stopping the impostors from parading themselves as lawful representatives of Obazuwa.

But like the Biblical saying that there is a time for everything, te emwen se eghe ore in Edo, the end of a tortuous episode of constant quarrels, fights and upheavals came on the 6th day of January 2022 when a group of mercenaries led by a youth whose father had held the community in a reign of impunity and maladministration attacked indigenes numbering about forty without provocation.

The youths had gathered to refresh themselves after carrying out an assignment by the Enogie, to map out an area for Oba Ovonranmwen Cultural Centre to be built by Edo State government. The project was planned in 2010 to bring the village to national and international limelight in cultural tourism.

This ugly incident and subsequent developments stirred up the people to defeat the unnecessary wranglings and overcame the situation by forgetting their differences. This is what eventually led to the people closing ranks to do the needful.

The order of seniority of the elders, as sorted out in the historic gathering of over forty indigenes are:

1. DEACON SUNDAY EGHAREVBA (Ozeukpogieva
and Odionwere-designate)
2. CHIEF OBABUEKI AGHEYISI
3. PA ROLAND AIMUAMWOSA AGIDI
4. MR MONDAY OSAYANDE

The people poured out into the streets singing to the Glory of God for a new dawn which will usher in peace, a necessity for development and growth.

Otu Notedoghewii celebrates with the people of Obazuwa and her Enogie for this milestone achievement.

So many people, Christians and non-Christians alike, are living in the bondage of fear. It include areas of marriage, work, business, family, neighbourhood, community, state and country. They have made great efforts to break away from the spirit of fear, yet remain in its bondage. So, I have made effort by the Grace of God to reach at purpose to finding solutions. It is an Audio-visual teaching aimed at lifting your soul from this demon-infused attack. Click on the hyperlink below. Our Facebook page is: Apples of Gold [url]@applesofgoldreach[/url]=https://www.facebook.com/100501528675274/posts/108830161175744/?app=fbl. Also help to spread the Good news by liking the page and sharing to others. Don't hesitate to make direct or Whatsapp call for further assistance and prayers.

So many people, Christians and non-Christians alike, are living in the bondage of fear. It include areas of marriage, work, business, family, neighbourhood, community, state and country. They have made great efforts to break away from the spirit of fear yet remain in its bondage. FEAR is one of the instruments Satan uses in corrupting people, displacing them from the promises of God and putting them in perpetual bondage. Fear torments so bad that the victim loses self-confidence and can completely derail from the path of truth, salvation and blessings. So, we have made concerted efforts by the Grace of God to reach at great length and purpose to finding solutions. It is an Audio-visual teaching aimed at lifting your soul from this demon-infused attack. Click on the hyperlink below. Our Facebook page is: [url]Apples of Gold @applesofgoldreach[/url]=https://www.facebook.com/100501528675274/posts/108830161175744/?app=fbl. Also help to spread the Good news by liking the page and sharing to others. Don't hesitate to make direct or Whatsapp call for further assistance and prayers.

Come out of Fear . Please see a sound audio visual message on delivering yourself from the spirit of fear permanently by tapping on the link below. The Facebook page is Apples of Gold [url]@applesofgoldreach[/url]= https://www.facebook.com/100501528675274/posts/108830161175744/?app=fbl Don't hesitate to call the number provided directly or Whatsapp for further assistance. God bless you in Jesus Name, Amen.
https ://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3397484763694863&id=100003001171209

Please beloved check the following link on my Facebook page: Apples of Gold @applesofgoldreach for the touch of the Holy Spirit. Its a an audio visual message with prayers of deliverance from fear .https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3397484763694863&id=100003001171209. God bless you in Jesus Name. Pastor Festus Egharevba. Call the number on the page for further assistance.

Come out of Fear
https://www.facebook.com/festus.o.egharevba/videos/3357689394341067/

At about 11.45am on the 11th December 2020, some four men in an old Toyota Camry car drove cautiously to the house of the Chairman of Otu Notedoghewii (Group for the Protection of Benin Land), Pastor (Dr) Festus Osayemwenre Egharevba in Uzebu area of Benin City, Edo State. They slowed down the vehicle at the front of a commercial caravan-like shop and were observing the house. Unknown to them Egharevba-s wife was watching the strange movement. She recognized them as Ikoro Ijaws. When she became convinced that they were on to a sinister motive she emerged from the house to get a better glimpse of them. On sighting her that their presence was detected they revved the car engine and sped off.
it would be recalled that Pastor Egharevba has been in the fore front against the Ijaws' attempt to expropriate Benin lands. So his stiff resistance to keep the Ijaws at bay through intellectual and legal processes revealing ancient and modern truths and his documented actions has earned him an arch enemy. Pastor Festus Egharevba narrated that he escaped three failed assassination and kidnap in late 2011 for his dogged fight to prosecute six Ikoro Ijaws when they attacked his home village, Obazuwa, as men were measuring land donated for the State Model Secondary School which they truncated. The almost nine year legal battle ended in March 2020 with the six men given a five months sentence.
The latest scheming is a fallout of recent development where one Ama Sibete forcibly brought plants and machinery into gazetted Utugberu area of Obazuwa to operate an illegal sand excavation. Egharevba is an Arrowhead of the Benin resistance to the Ijaw incursion which is making them to abhor him the more. The chairman, like other well-meaning Binis are annoyed that Sibete's brazen act came when Obazuwa's petition was already receiving petition with some Ijaw suspects already invited and under bail at the Police Zone 5 AIG's Office when Ama Sibete brought in his machinery by night. He told the police that it was an affront on constituted authority which could trigger inter-communal war.
However, Pastor Egharevba said he is not afraid of any person or group getting offended for standing up for the TRUTH even if some unpatriotic Benin elements were with them. He believes that no one can kill him because his mission on Earth is to propagate the truth through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and judicious human advocacy which has not been fulfilled.
He advised the Ijaws to embrace modern and judicious ways of advocacy instead of using archaic methods of unlawful combat that always pitch them against so many neighbours. He is of the firm opinion that brigandage cannot cow persons of his spiritual and intellectual level to malicious subjugation.

It appears it's coming to pass. Let's pray for Nigeria.

There is tension brewing now between the Ijaws of Ikoro and the Binis of Obazuwa over a large size of land at Utugberu area of Obazuwa. If not urgently and well handled it might explode into an inter-communal war which will give the various government and security agencies a tough case to tackle.
The new conflict is as a result of a rudely and insulting manner the Ijaws forcefully entered part of Obazuwa land to excavate commercial sands. Enogie of Obazuwa, HRH Prince Edun Akenzua, petitioned the Edo State Commissioner of Police sometime ago for forcible entry and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The police invited the Arrowhead of the burrow pit, one Ama Sibete, and compelled him to remove the bulldozer from the site where crops and important economic trees were wilfully destroyed pending its thorough investigation.
One unintelligent argument put up by the Ijaws is that they don't have boundary with Obazuwa,  their immediate neighbour but Egbaen, Obagie and Evbolekpen which are before Obazuwa when approaching Ikoro from Benin City. This literally means Obazuwa, with five major streets, oil palm, rubber and arable farms and a sizeable population with over a hundred houses does not exists in the eyes of the Ijaws.  This is provocative enough, coupled with recurring militant attacks enough for the Binis to resort to violence but have been effectively tamed by the elders who believe in non-violent approach to solving problems. Unfortunately for them the Ikoro Ijaws granted a contradictory interview to a reputable Nigerian newspaper, the Tribune on June 7, 2019 where Obazuwa was described as neighbour when complaining bitterly of an abandoned health project. Furthermore, government gazettes and colonial intelligence reports revealed that Obazuwa has been existing for centuries while Ikonoke stands out as being between Obazuwa and Ikoro. They later sack Ikonoke in an inter-communal conflict in 1987.
It would be recalled that on the 3rd June 2011, some group of Ijaw youths attacked Obazuwa men who were measuring their bush which the Enogie donated to Edo State Government to establish one of the three model secondary schools each in the three senatorial districts by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Three Obazuwa men were taken to Ikoro, tied to their Egbesu shrine and were mercilessly flogged with cutlasses and sticks to a pulp. It was when they were about to be burnt with a box of matches, four litres of petrol by their sides, and chained that the police arrived in the niche of time to rescue them. The people also lost several motorbikes and a car to the assailants and many Binis suffered injuries which scars are still with them. Six of those arrested were prosecuted and sentenced to five months imprisonment each in March 2020, about nine years of a tortuous legal prosecution that went through two magistrate courts at Okada, Ovia Northeast Local Government of Edo State. Because of the pervading insecurity Obazuwa painfully lost the grandiose project to New Era College in Benin City.
It was as the petition was being investigated both at the State and Zonal Police levels that Ama Sibete, who probably had the backing of the pere of Olodiama, Godwin Oguyeibo, an elevated juju priesthood, another burning issue that was forcibly installed about three years ago, and declared wanted by the State Government, drove another bulldozer at midnight on the 29th November 2020 to the burrow pit and is currently excavating sand. This new action is what is brewing bad blood which the Binis see as an affront on their domain and flagrant disobedience of the police who are trying to make peace so that it does not blow into a fullscale war. It is also verifiable that certain Obazuwa sons forwarded another petition on conduct likely to promote inter-communal war to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Benin City on the move to deprive them of their heritage sold without their knowledge or permission by Enogie of Evbolekpen with tacit support from the Ijaws. It is noteworthy that Ijaws of Gelegele, led by S.P. Apohi, Moses Pawuru, had in November 1996 collectively petitioned the then Edo State Governor,, Group Captain Baba Adamu Iyam that pere of Olodiama was a promotion of a familial lord to reign over them. Yet the same title manifested in Ikoro in 2017 mysteriously who the Edo State is courting secretly with intent to recognizing him. Stakeholders are still wondering why Governor Godwin Obaseki reneged on the initial order declaring him wanted for violation of extant chieftaincy laws. Astonishingly, Ijaws who are reputed globally as migrant fishermen dotting riverlines are now scrambling for land to rediscover themselves as modern growth and development are not reaching their difficult terrain. They have abandoned their traditional fishing occupation to learn 'cut and nail' arable farming in order to lay possession to the lands they seized from weak Binis.
The Binis of Obazuwa are preparing to defend their ancestral land with their strength should the government and the relevant security agencies fail to intervene. Obazuwa youths who accused the Ijaws of selling their land in connivance with Evbolekpen in another deal with a Lekki, Lagos agricultural firm, are fuming that they have been fraudulently expropriated of their age-long natural resources while crops on the farmlands were wilfully destroyed with brazen arrogance.
Many Binis in neighbour communities on the Benin-Ekehuan road axis believe that because Ijaws had successfully routed Binis from Abiala bordering Gelegele and Ikonoke which actually is between Ikoro Ijaws and Obazuwa they are audacious enough to march on to sack the complainants; they too are evoking a strong Benin solidarity to aid their victory.

Between 5AM and 6AM of 23rd November 2020, the Lord Almighty showed me a vision where the Federal Government of Nigeria reversed the pump price of petrol. This meant that the new cost of a litre of PMS in the country will go back again. I saw Nigerians refusing to buy the unexhausted stock of fuel from petrol dealers at the current rate except the reverted price. That would mean sellers running at a loss. For this to come to pass Nigerians are going to rise vehemently again to protest the extreme hardship befallen our beloved nation. Mark 4:9 says: "And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." In Ezekiel 3:27, the Omniscient have this to say: "But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house." This is a GREAT WARNING to all! God deliver and bless Nigeria, in Jesus Name, Amen. From Pastor (Dr) Festus Osayemwenre Egharevba, Overseer, Amazing Dawn Gospel Ministry, 21 Eheneden Street, Uzebu, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria and Chairman, Otu Notedoghewii - 08023374481

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

We are talking of something serious, but you just want to make jest of the situation. Is that all you could contribute to a dicey situation that if not properly handled can be an issue to the whole of Nigeria in future. Ologbo in Edo is a dual word for cat (animal) and a town pronounced differently.

Otu Notedoghewii (Group for the Protection of Benin Land) has shockingly received the news of events in Ologbo which culminated in the killings, unlawful destruction of properties and desertation by residents of the ancient Benin community.
Over the years, some Itsekiri leaders in Ologbo who have comprised themselves as malfeasance have tried to usurp constituted authorities ever since, found flimsy excuses to unleash a wave of terror on innocent and defenceless citizens including the gazetted Enogie and other Bini indigenes in a desperate bid to overturn lawful establishment in the town.
Having reviewed the past, present incidents and outbursts of certain persons, Otu Noteddoghewii has fingered the self-acclaimed Itsekiri leader, Prince Johnson Atseleghe, as the chief culprit. He cleverly imported unlawful combatants from Delta State to attack Bini positions while pretending to be unaware of the whole scenario. This group sees Prince Johnson Atseleghe's hand as Esau's while the voice is Jacob's. His rhetoric that the Itsekiri's came there first and an Ologbosere must come from outside Warri kingdom is not valid but a clandestine act to perpetuate his dasatrd acts. Previous Ologbosere's of Warri such as Chief O.N. Rewane did not come from outside.
Otu Notedoghewii and the generality of Binis cannot fold their hands and watch with glee while secondary settlers abuse the simplicity and magnanimity of our people who openly welcome and absorb strangers.
Therefore, we are calling on Governor Godwin Obaseki to set up a high-powered panel of inquiry to unravel the orgy of violence in Ologbo and environ in the past and present times. The call becomes absolutely necessary to uproot the idea of some disgruntled elements rising up suddenly to take laws into their evil hands instead of keeping quiet and watch situations degenerate.
On the other hand, Otu Notedoghewii challenges the various security organizations in the State and beyond to do justice to the situation by quickly fishing out and prosecuting all those who openly and clandestinely terrorize Ologbo. In the absence of that, we will not hesitate to advocate the situation where Binis will resort to self-help and self-defence in nearby or future attacks.
Pastor (Dr] Festus Osayemwenre Egharevba, Chairman

The Ogbunasa deity is an ancient religious god of Umueri people in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. Its exact origin is lost in history but it is linked to the Igbo people who practiced heathenism as a medium of reaching the supreme God.
The Igbo culture is well celebrated in the southeastern parts of modern Nigeria I a country with an estimated population of over 200 million people, and the Igbo are the third largest ethnic group only after the Hausa mainly in the north and the Yoruba who occupy the southwest.
Ogbunasa deity is located in the heart of Umueri Village which forms part of the larger Umueri clan. It has a house where the priest and other adherents worship the deity for and on behalf of the community. The annual festival to mark the end of the year is held in pomp and pageantry and is held in solemn as feats are celebrated with the new yam which represents fertility and long life. Indigenes of Umeri come from far and near to join those at home in worshipping their ancestors.
Some of the items used in the festival include yam, coconut, kola nut, native gin, goat and sometimes cow as the case may be. Others include sacred leaves and plants which are only known to the priesthood. The priesthood is hereditary and domiciled in a particular family from Umueri.
However, the deity seems to be neglected and abandoned as those ordained by ancient tradition to administer the worship processes are withdrawing from its service as they claimed are now ‘born again’, that is, repented and converted to Christianity.
The community elders have been appealing to that particular family for over four decades refused for but bluntly to take over their function for fear of their life. They claimed that since their father, Williams Eze, who turned a catechist in the 1960’s declined they will not soil their hands and feet in fetish service. The children of late Catechist Williams also believed that they have been suffering untold persecution from members of the community and suspected that spiritual forces have been unleashed against t hem and could have led to the death of their brothers.
Today, many of the children of Williams have fled the community for their dear lives. Even the next in line of the priest succession, Williams Apostle Bartholomew, is said to be on the run to avoid taking over the priesthood of Ogbunasa.
The situation on ground is ancient tradition versus Christianity which is strongly assuming the religious worship in Igbo land.