Elders of Uhunmwoke Orhuma Ewuare community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area have vowed to defend the community’s historical identity, territorial boundaries and autonomous status against what they described as attempts by a suspended Enogie (Duke) and associates to distort its history.
The elders who included the community head (Odionwere), Pa Ogieva Edomwonyi, Pa Sunny Omoregie Iyoha and Pa Oghogho Oteleku, stated this while briefing journalists in Benin City, in which they rejected claims questioning the community’s autonomy and traditional heritage.
The Odionwere, Pa Ogieva Edomwonyi, who spoke on behalf of the community, said, Uhunmwoke Orhuma Ewuare has a long and well-documented history dating back to the reign of Oba Ewuare I.
He reaffirmed the community’s loyalty to Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Oba Ewuare II, while pledging continued support for peace, development and respect for constituted authority.
Her said efforts to deny the community its autonomous status are baseless and amount to an attempt to erase a rich cultural identity that has endured for centuries.
Pa Edomwonyi stated that the community’s origin, natural boundaries and traditional institutions were established during the era of territorial expansion under Oba Ewuare I, adding, “historical facts cannot be altered to suit personal interests.”