Odionwere Aguanomwan Agbontaen
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
OKADA – The Odionwere of Ekowe Village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Pa Alfred Aguanomwan Agbontaen has described land grabbing as alien to the custom and tradition of the people.
Pa Agbontaen made this known while speaking to the press on the allegations of land grabbing in some of the Villages across the State.
He said in Ekowe Village, there is nothing like land grabbing since he became the Odionwere about 20 years ago; as it is the Odionwere and elders who have the sole responsibility with anything having to do with land.
The Odionwere pointed out that like every other society; the Igheles (Youths) are the hub of most activities, but with the supervision and counseling from the elders; as well as impacting into them the custom and tradition of the land.
There are dedicated functions starting from the elders to the youths and those before the youths, the Odionwere said adding that the youths particularly are responsible for the security and general cleaning of the Village with their head; being the Okaighele.
“I want to repeat here that the Okaighele and youths of Ekowe does not have anything to do with land grabbing or sales of land, but the elders of the Village; they are always with the elders running errands and messages for them.”
Odionwere Agbontaen used the occasion to thank the great Oba of great Benin kingdom for his efforts at reawakening, preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the people of Benin, and called on other edionwere across the State to join hands with the great work the Oba is doing in the State.
Also speaking, the Okaighele, Henry Super Edohen said there is nothing like land grabbing in Ekowe, the Village has been very peaceful, the elders are in charge of any land transaction.
“I am only there to carry-out the instructions of the Odionwere and elders as regards things affecting the Village ”
He further said it has never been heard of that land in Ekowe is sold to more than one person or somebody is relocated from his or her original land to another position.
“Ekowe is peaceful and welcomes visitors and there is nothing like internal crisis, all we crave for is meaningful development that will benefit the people.”
