Protesters Demand Immediate Intervention to Prevent Breakdown of Law and Order
A coalition of elders, youths, women, and concerned residents of Orior Ozolua Community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State took to the streets of Benin City on Monday in a peaceful protest, demanding the immediate removal of Elder Osasere Egharevba from the position of Okaighele (Youth Leader), which he has allegedly held unlawfully for over 17 years.
The demonstrators, who marched through major roads and later gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, decried the rising insecurity, youth restiveness, and breakdown of traditional leadership structures, which they attributed to Elder Osasere’s prolonged and controversial leadership.
According to the protesters, Elder Osasere Egharevba was appointed as the Okaighele of Orior Ozolua Community in 2008, with a constitutional tenure of two years. However, despite being elevated to the Council of Elders in 2012 by the late Enogie of the community, His Royal Highness Osakpamwan Osemwengie — a position that, by Benin custom, disqualifies an individual from holding youth positions — Elder Osasere has continued to serve as youth leader.
The community pointed out that such dual occupancy of traditional roles contravenes both community laws and pronouncements of the revered Oba of Benin, who forbids elDers from holding youth titles.
In a twist, in 2023, Elder Osasere allegedly influenced the selection of a new Odionwere (community head), who subsequently reinstated him as Okaighele — a move the protesters say was carried out without due consultation with either the Council of Elders or the wider youth population.
During the protest, members of the coalition accused Elder Osasere and his loyalists of fostering an atmosphere of fear and violence within the community. They claimed that armed thugs under his command have been responsible for escalating land disputes, intimidating land developers, and harassing residents, thereby stalling development and fuelling social unrest.
“For 17 years, our community has known no peace,” one protester said. “We have watched helplessly as our lands are sold off indiscriminately, elders threatened, and our youth denied meaningful engagement and leadership opportunities.”
The protesters painted a grim picture of the current state of the community, warning that the situation is nearing a tipping point. “Armed elements roam freely, instilling fear in residents. If urgent steps are not taken, violent clashes and a complete breakdown of law and order are imminent,” they warned.
The coalition issued a passionate appeal to the Oba of Benin, the Edo State Government, and other traditional and political stakeholders to intervene urgently. Their demands include: The immediate removal and investigation of Elder Osasere Egharevba from the youth leadership position, a transparent and constitutionally guided restructuring of the youth leadership, restoration of traditional protocols to safeguard peace, justice, and development in the community.
“Your intervention at this critical time is necessary to avert chaos, protect lives and property, and restore confidence in our traditional leadership,” the statement read.
In response, Dr Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, addressed the protesters and assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to the relevant authorities.
“We want to assure you that your concerns will be taken seriously. However, we also urge you to maintain peace and ensure that only genuine community members participate in this movement. Do not allow outsiders to hijack your cause,” Dr Alenkhe advised.
He stressed the importance of lawful and orderly conduct, encouraging the group to remain focused on peaceful advocacy as they seek redress.
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