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By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
The Okaighele of Ogueka Village, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State Victor Osarenotor has denied attempting the life of one Osamudiamen Idahosa as alleged in a publication of one of the daily newspapers recently.
Osarenotor said his intervention rather, helped saved the life of his accuser the night he was shot by unknown gun men.
He narrated that Idahosa disclosed after he was shot, that he and some other persons were gathered at the Ohen’s (Priest) compound: Sunday Uwagbai on a mission to forcefully take over leadership of the Village, the following morning.
Adding, that he did not however know how he was hit by bullet of a gun.
Idahosa, was taken to three different hospitals which refused to attend to him, before he was finally admitted at the Police hospital, Osarenotor said.
“Three weeks after, I was shocked to had been invited by the Police for questioning, based on the petition written by Osamudiamen and his gang turning around to accuse me of assassination attempt on his life.
“But the Police while treating the petition, noted that it was not possible for someone to had shot his victim, and at the same time rescue him.
“As we speak, the matter is still being investigated by the office of the AIG even as the petitioners refused to turn up again.”
The Okaighele debunked Idahosa’s claim that he was shot while participating in the celebration of a local festival: ‘Ikpoleki’ which he and elders of the Village, were not aware of.
Rather, it was a story to cover up his suspected criminal tendencies, he said.
“Ever since I rescued him to the hospital for treatment, I have not set my eyes on him, I don’t even have his phone number even though he is a member of this Community.”
Responding to a question, Osarenotor disclosed that he had no previous quarrel with his accuser rather, it was one Idahosa Osagie who had quarrel with the Odionwere: Pa. Egbon saying he wants to be the Odionwere.
“Whereas the substantive Odionwere is still alive thus making his move not only an impossibility, but a taboo in Benin Kingdom.
“Idahosa is rebellious against the Odionwere saying the affirmation of the Oba’s Palace of his enthronement, was manipulated.
“Flowing from this, he has been masterminding all manner of rebellion against the legitimacy of the Odionwere and elders in Council of this Village.”
As they have continued to threaten his life after a failed kidnap attempt on him, the Okaighele alleged.
“As we speak, some members of the gang are in Police detention in connection with the failed kidnap attempt”
Therefore, I want to also through this medium appeal to the Benin Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II, Edo State Government, and all the security authorities to call the Ohen: Sunday Uwagbai and his cohorts to order.
“I need the protection of all the relevant authorities.”
An elder in the Village, Johnbull Enoma who accompanied the Okaighele in taking his accuser to the hospital, corroborated all the narratives.
However, all attempts to reach Osamudiamen Idahosa, Ohen Sunday Uwagbai and Idahosa Osagie for reaction was not successful as at the time of filing this report on Wednesday.
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