Residents of Ayen, Ayen community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State have cried out to the State and federal authorities over an escalating communal crisis, alleging abuse of power, illegal arrests, and threats to lives and property.
In a statement issued by the Chief Priest (Ohen Okhuahe) of the community, the people of Ayen strongly denied allegations linking two of their indigenes, Aimienoho David and Joseph Edaiye, to any secret cult group. The duo were reportedly arrested by the Edo State Special Security Squad, but the community insists they are innocent citizens with no criminal convictions.
The Chief Priest also reaffirmed the legitimacy of Mr Joseph Imazagbonre Ediae as the recognised Okaghele (community youth leader) of Ayen. According to him, Ediae’s appointment was officially acknowledged in a letter dated 30 April 2025 from the Oba of Benin’s palace.
Portions of the letter, seen by our correspondent, read: “Ohen Okhuahe Adanegbe Nohuwa and four most senior elders of the community should pilot the affairs of Ayen village henceforth in trust for the Oba of Benin till further notice.”
However, tension in the community has escalated due to what locals describe as politically-backed interference. The Chief Priest alleged that a high-ranking officer — the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Edo State Government House — is actively supporting a faction bent on destabilising the community for personal gain.
“We have it on good authority that the CSO is backing these individuals because of a parcel of land allegedly gifted to him by them. This has emboldened them to act with impunity,” he said.
The statement further accused the CSO of issuing a directive through an associate identified only as ‘Saturday’ to ensure his interests are protected, even at the expense of peace and justice.
The community also disowned one Amiolemen Ideh, insisting he is unknown to the elders and holds no legitimate authority in Ayen. They warned the public to disregard any claims he makes regarding leadership or the land dispute.
The crisis, according to the statement, has been aggravated by the activities of supporters of one Prince Oriakhi Enaruna and Stanley Henry, popularly known as “Extra.” Both men are accused of leading violent attacks in the community, with reports of sporadic gunfire and general unrest.
While Enaruna and Henry have reportedly been arrested, another suspect, Austine Idamudia aka “Obete,” is said to be on the run. The community says operatives from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja are currently tracking him.
“We are calling on the Edo State Government and the Inspector General of Police to come to our rescue. Some of the individuals fuelling this crisis have previously been linked to kidnapping and murder. If urgent action is not taken, Ayen may descend into full-blown chaos,” the Chief Priest warned.
The community has urged authorities to ensure justice is served and that the sanctity of the Oba of Benin’s authority is respected.
