Protesters sponsored by my detractors – Atseleghe

By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – A coalition of groups under the name, The Concerned People of Edo State, in collaboration with the people of Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba Okha local government area of the State have appealed to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to bring to justice to the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom in Delta state, Chief Johnson Atsetuleghe, over his alleged continued tormenting, intimidating and harassing the people of the Dukedom.

The protest led by Elder Benson Ayokotse, leader, Kolokolo Community and Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture – Coordinator, of Aguobasinmwin Movement were at the Edo State Government House, Benin City, to register their displeasure over the continued intimidating, tormenting and harassment.

The protesters were received by the Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Alhaji Gani Audu.

Ayokotse alleged that Atseleghe was arrested, charged, and granted bail for a case of alleged murder on health grounds but that he has resumed tormenting and harassing the people of Ologbo Dukedom, causing more problems instead of seeking medical attention.

Part of the protest letter they presented reads: “Johnson Atseleghe exercises parallel traditional authority against the throne of the Oba of Benin, disregarding the Enogie of Ologbo’s instructions. He installed parallel Olara-Aja (Odionwere) in two communities at Ologbo Riverine (Kolokolo and Ajamogha) despite explicit instructions from the palace of the Oba of Benin to halt all activities.

“As concerned people of Ologbo Dukedom and Edo Indigenes, knowing that, an injury to one is injury to all, we call on your Leadership to swiftly bring Johnson Atseleghe to justice as to the atrocities he has caused and still carrying out in Ologbo Dukedom.

“We are equally using this medium to appeal to our God’s King, His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin Kingdom to come to the rescue of the indigenous people of Ologbo Dukedom.

The protest letter was signed by Mr. Roland Maye President kolokolo Community, Justice Otikpere Ajamogha Community, Elder Benson Ayokotse Leader Kolokolo Community, Moses Otikpere leader Ajamogha community, and Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture.

Responding on behalf of the state government, the Chief of Staff to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Gani Audu said the government was aware of the issues raised and would look into them.

When contacted, Chief Atseleghe denied the allegations and claimed that the protesters were sponsored. He said there is peace in all the communities mentioned in the protest and that “These people don’t stay in Ologbo, they stay in Benin and some in Sapele. The protest was sponsored, there are some people who are using them to blackmail me to present me in bad light before the new government”

On the installation of the eldest man, he Atseleghe said the issue of the eldest man is a decision of the elders who pick the eldest among them and then organized reception adding that the affected communities have existed there for over 500 years and have not deviated from their tradition.