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Group Appeal To Governor Okpebholo for Rescue
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The concerned people of Edo State, in collaboration with the people of Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba Okha local government area of the State has appealed to Edo State Governor,Senator Monday Okpebholo to bring to justice, Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe, over his continue tormenting, intimidating, harassing the people of the Dukedom.
The protest led by Elder Benson Ayokotse, leader, Kolokolo Community and Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture – Coordinator, of Aguobasinmwin Movement were at the Edo State Government House, Benin City, to register their displeasure over the continues intimidating, tormenting and harassment .
With different inscriptions like: “We People From Kolokolo & Ajamimogha Calling On Governor Okpebholo To Come To Our Aids. Johnson Atsetuleghe Is Killing Us. “Ologbo Dukedom And The Entire Riverine Communities Demands Justice”, “Edo State Government Should Immediately Arrest and Prosecute Johnson Atsetuleghe ”, “We Are Not Under The Leadership Of Johnson Atsetuleghe”, “Johnson Atsetuleghe Has No Respect For Constituted Authority. etc.
The protesters were received by the Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, alhaji Gani Audu.
Speaking on behalf of the group with protest letter, Elder Benson Ayokotse Leader Kolokolo Community alleged that Johnson Atseleghe was arrested, charged, and granted bail for the alleged murder of Sunny Eitchie, Genesis Ojie, and Okuomose Omorodion on health grounds has resumed tormenting and harassing the people of Ologbo Dukedom, causing more problems instead of seeking medical attention.
Part of the protest letter reads: “Johnson Atseleghe is exercises parallel traditional authority against the throne of the Oba of Benin, disregarding the Enogie of Ologbo’s instructions. He installed parallel Olara-Aja (Odionwere) in two communities at Ologbo Riverine (Kolokolo and Ajamogha) despite explicit instructions from the palace of the Oba of Benin to halt all activities.
“As concerned people of Ologbo Dukedom and Edo Indigenes, knowing that, an injury to one is injury to all, we call on your Leadership to swiftly bring Johnson Atseleghe to justice as to the atrocities he has caused and still carrying out in Ologbo Dukedom.
“Your Excellency Sir, the Administrative Head on behalf of the Oba of Benin in Ologbo Dukedom is Enogie, and therefore, Johnson Atseleghe has no constitutional or traditional right to hold the entire Dukedom to a standstill and make it ungovernable, where he kills and walk freely on the streets.
“We are equally using this medium to appeal to our God’s King, His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin Kingdom to come to the rescue of the indigenes of Ologbo Dukedom.
Going further, Elder Ayokotse added: “Also and with the pains in our hearts, we call on all Edo indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora to join hands with the people of Ologbo Dukedom in whatever capacity to rescue them from the hands of the vampire, Johnson Atseleghe so as to restore peace once again in Ologbo Dukedom, “Oya-yasinmwin Evbomwan.
“Your Excellency Sir, we shall indeed be grateful if this appeal letter of ours is given favourable and accelerated consideration, knowing fully well that Edo State has a Governor that understands the pains of his subjects and will do a lot to improve their living conditions especially as it concerns security, while thanking you in anticipation.”
The protest letter was signed by
Mr. Roland Maye President kolokolo Community, Justice Otikpere Ajamogha Community, Elder Benson Ayokotse Leader Kolokolo Community, Moses Otikpere leader Ajamogha community, and Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture.
Addressing the protesters, the Chief of Staff to the governor, alhaji Gani Audu said, “I am here on behalf of the governor. He was supposed to be here himself. You know Ologbo is a critical area in Edo; is a community that we watch very closely. We don’t want to break down the law and order.
The governor himself is already aware of this protest letter and asked me to convey to you that he is going to look into this matter and then invite the stakeholders involved in the issues raised so as to address them one and for all”.he concluded.
