By joshua Alleged Misappropriation Of Funds : Concerned Indigenes, Stakeholders Calls For Accountability
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
Indigenes and Stakeholders of Orogho Dukedom in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo State, has raised an alarm over the alleged misappropriation of funds by the Enogie, Prince Patrick Osayande Akenzua meant for seven communities in the Dukedom, namely Orogho, Uwuo, Obagie Nunuamen, Iwevbo, Ugbigun, Obanakhoro and Ekhigbe.
The concerned indigenes and other Stakeholders of the Dukedom led by Osahon Imaru made this known to journalists at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benin City.
The group further said that since the ascension of the present Enogie, several concerns were raised by the indigenes and Stakeholders across the seven communities concerning the administration of the Dukedom.
The group also said that one of the most worrisome concerns was the introduction of Enogie Representatives or Sub-Enogie in each of the seven communities, which they said have allegedly taken advantage of those positions to oppress the people whom the Enogie is expected to protect.
Other areas they felt the Enogie has not done well includes the alleged failure of the Enogie to personally participate in certain important traditional activities, such as Igue and the annual Ekaba Festivals, adding that since the ascension of the throne in 2010 he has not slept in the community neither had he appointed any chief to run his Palace.
They further expressed their worry over the alleged misappropriation of N38.5 million that was disbursed among ancestral land owners and the Dukedom communities that NEW CROSS Petroleum’s pipeline transversed.
The group equally raised concern regarding the alleged disposal of a large parcel on of land in the Savannah area of Ere-Egwa farm without the knowledge or consent of the then Odionwere of Orogho Community or the wider communities within the Dukedom.
The people further stated that the land was subsequently recovered after well meaning indigenes of the Orogho and Owuo communities intervened and stopped Ere-Egwa Farm from securing a Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) from the Edo State Ministry of Lands and Survey in respect of the land.
The group reiterated that the issues raised are not mere allegations made without basis, as relevant documents are in their possession and available for verification by the appropriate authorities.
They said having exhausted several avenues to resolve the issue internally, they decided to seek the intervention of the Palace of the Oba of Benin as the highest traditional authority relevant to the matter, which they said it was followed by a letter submitted through the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Irabor at the registry.
Continuing, the group said having discovered that the Enogie resorted to oppressive and autocratic style of administration which he was exercising through the Enogie Representatives or Sub-Enogie, compelled them to seek the intervention of the Edo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Orhionmwon Local Government Council.
On the proposed election in the community which was put on hold, the group consider the development significant as it demonstrate the importance of allowing the appropriate authorities to underlying the issues before any process that could further deepen divisions within the communities is resolved.
The group said they are not opposed to the traditional leadership, as they recognize and respect the Benin traditional institution and the historical significance of the Enogie institution, adding that their concern is the manner in which the institution is being administered.
They therefore, advocates that they allow the seven communities to have meaningful participation in decisions affecting them.
The group call on the Oba of Benin, the Edo State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Orhionmwon Local Government Council and other relevant authorities to give these matters the necessary attention.
The concerned indigenes and Stakeholders concluded that their intervention on this issues is not a campaign against the institution of the Enogie, but a call for accountability and responsible administration.
“We believe that traditional institutions can only remain strong when they enjoy the confidence of the people they represent. Our struggle is therefore directed towards ensuring that the seven communities of Orogho Dukedom are governed through a system that promotes peace, justice, accountability, consultation, transparency and development”. They posited.