By Ozioruva Aliu

IN the midst of hustling and bustling of city life where everyone minds their business and more interested in what monetary gains they would get from any transaction, there exists Ewase Emwinobomwan community, also known as 2nd Ewaise Lane in Oredo local government area of Benin City, where communalism, community life, adherence to traditions and norms prevail.

 More interestingly is that this community is is less than one thousand meters from Ring Road, the busiest part of Benin City, Edo State capital. It is bordered by two busy roads which are the busiest in the city, namely Akpakpava and Forestry.

This place is home to people from all over the country with many of them traders and have shops in the area with expected business activities but, despite its metropolitan status, the place enjoys a style of administration where everybody is interested in what happens to the other and what happens in the entire community.

Disputes

Disputes are resolved by elders who impose fines where necessary and it is a taboo to invite law enforcement agencies to make arrests except it has to do with a case or cases relating to the use of arms like armed robbery, murder, cult related issues among others where the elders would invite police themselves otherwise every other disputes are resolved in the community way.

This community way of life was said to have been introduced by a late elder who they could only remember as Chief Okungbowa who was a palace chief over 50 years ago and, after his demise, the people continued the practice.

When there is an issue between people, the guilty could be made to render public apology, flogged publicly, and fined, ranging from buying drinks for the elders to entertaining the community by cooking based on specific directives which could include goat and pounded yam.

The essence is to instill fear in the people and make them behave responsibly and be their brother’s keeper.

The quarter abhors street fighting and bullying and that has made the place a fortress for unskilled labourers who work around the area to run to the place when bullied knowing full well that they would get justice.

There is also no discrimination in the dispensation of justice in terms of place of origin or social and economic status.

Like in the conventional society, everyone is equal before the law in the community.

It sounded strange to the ears until Sunday Vanguard visited the place and saw first-hand the elders place and the shrine.

They also have Odionwere (Eldest Man) and Okaeghele (Youth Leader) who assist in the daily running of the community. Curiously, they all have their businesses and place of work within and outside the area but gather there at every needed point in time.

At first glance, Ewase Emwinobomwan looks like any other densely populated area. Traders move goods in and out, trucks unload supplies daily, and residents coexist in a shared space driven by commerce. 

 Unity and cooperation

 One of elders that spoke to Sunday Vanguard, Elder Dennis Idehen, said he has lived in the community for over 30 years and that unity and cooperation are the foundation of their success.

“We do things together here,” he said.

“Whenever there is a problem whether it is a fight, an argument, or any form of misconduct, the elders come together to investigate. We listen to both sides before making a decision.

 ”Offences such as fighting or insulting an elder are treated seriously, with penalties designed not only to discipline the offender but also to reinforce communal values”. Idehen said fines such as a goat, pounded yam, egusi soup, kolanuts, cartons of beer, and bottles of gin “is our way of instilling discipline.

“If you fight or break the rules, you must pay with a goat and prepare food for the entire community. People think twice before misbehaving because they know the consequences.”

In some cases, especially involving younger offenders, corporal punishment may also be applied.

Offenders may receive between 12 and 24 strokes of the cane, depending on the severity of the offence. While such measures may appear harsh to outsiders, residents insist that they serve as effective deterrents.

They said a recent incident involved two residents who engaged in a fight, and one of them insisted on reporting the matter to the police, despite being advised otherwise by the elders. He eventually did his bidding but was later summoned by the community leaders and sanctioned for bypassing the established system.

“He knows the rules. Even if you go to the police, you will still come back and face the community. And he paid the required fine”, a local said.

However, Idehen pointed out that their authority has limits as serious crimes such as armed robbery or murder fall outside their jurisdiction and are immediately referred to law enforcement agencies.

Another elder, Mr. Willis Okungbowa, clarified this distinction: “When it comes to theft, we investigate thoroughly.  If someone is found guilty, we hand the person over to the police and even serve as witnesses. For serious crimes, we do not interfere, we allow the law to take its course.”

The Okaeghele (Youth Leader), Julius Akenbor, shared how the practice shaped his own life: “I used to be very stubborn when I was younger, but this system changed me. “Anytime I remember that fighting will cost me a goat and a big feast, I quickly control myself.”

According to him, the presence of physically strong individuals in the community could easily lead to frequent conflicts if not for these strict rules. He added: “We have many strong men here. Without this law, there would be fights every day. But the fear of punishment keeps everyone in check.”

Akenbor also paid tribute to late community leaders who helped establish and sustain these practices, noting that their commitment to discipline and unity laid the foundation for the peace the community enjoys today.

Interestingly, the communal feast, often seen as punishment, has also become a symbol of unity. When an offender provides the required items, residents gather to share the meal, turning a moment of wrongdoing into an opportunity for reconciliation and bonding.

“It is not just about punishment,” Akenbor explained. “It is about bringing people together again. After the meal, the issue is settled, and everyone moves on.”

The system is strictly enforced, even for newcomers. Prospective residents or business owners are required to spend time in the community to understand its rules and values before being fully accepted.

Akenbor said: “We don’t just admit anyone, you must learn how we do things here. If you cannot follow our ways, then this is not the place for you.”

It was gathered that as neighbouring communities begin to take notice, some are exploring ways to adopt similar practices in an effort to curb crime and promote harmony. While the model may not be easily replicated everywhere, it offers valuable lessons about the role of community involvement in maintaining order.

Ewase Emwinobomwan, in a nutshell, is a community where justice is served not just with discipline but with a hearty meal of goat and egusi soup.