By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The Enogie of Ihovbor village in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, His Royal Highness, Fortune Igbinakenzua has alerted the general public of a purported move by some individuals to change the name of Evboeka camp in Ihovbor to Oyemwen community stating that the move is illegal as it lacks the approval of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare 11, Oba of Benin.
In a statement made available to journalists and signed by HRH Fortune Igbinakenzua, noted that there was a similar move in 2012 which was published in the Nigerian Obsever of Friday, 9 November, 2012 adding that a letter was written to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation dated 4 November, 2012 conveying the disapproval of the Enogie to any type of change and urged the public to disregard any change of name from Evboeka to Oyemwen.
According to the statement, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that some individual/persons are embarking/making arrangements to change the name of Evboeka camp in Ihovbor to Oyemwen community without the consent and approval of the traditional ruler (The Enogie) and most importantly, without the consent and approval of our Royal father, the Oba of the great Benin kingdom.
“In this connection, the general public is hereby put on notice to disregard the purported change of name, Evboeka remains the valid and undisputed name of the camp.
“Also, the general public is hereby notified and to be wary that any individual/persons/group of persons/corporate organization who deals with Evboeka under the illegal name of Oyemwen camp does so at his or her/their own risk. The general public is advised to take note of the notification in their own interest,” the statement said.