Youth Leader Of Edo Community Disputes Allegations Of Tenure Extension

According to Benin traditional customs, Egharevba Osasere, the youth leader (Okaighele) of Orior-Ozolua village in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, has refuted claims that he has been in office for 17 years, claiming that he was only installed in November 2023 by the village’s Odionwere, Pa. Joseph Imadiyi Osayamwanbo.

This explanation was made in reaction to a protest that took place on Monday, April 14, 2025, when a group of protesters brought banners to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Center in Edo State Council.

The agitators claimed that Osasere had been in office for almost twenty years, despite the customary two-year term given to community youth leaders, and they called for his immediate removal, accusing him of exceeding his mandate.

Speaking on the subject, Osasere called the accusations “false and politically motivated,” implying that his critics are motivated by personal gain and behave in self-interest.

He clarified that on November 15, 2023, he formally took over as Okaighele after taking an oath in front of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, along with the Odionwere and representatives from roughly eighteen additional villages. He claimed that this procedure adhered to accepted practice and gave him the rightful authority to serve his community.

Osasere accused Paul Akhere of interfering in village affairs while posing as the governor of Edo State’s special assistant on security issues.

He claimed that Akhere plotted with a group within the neighborhood to cause disturbances, which resulted in three people being shot. After reporting the incident to Government House with the Odionwere, he claimed that Akhere informed them that it had been “settled” and that he did not want the police to become involved.

According to Osasere, Akhere allegedly said that he had the power to both remove and install an Okaighele and instructed the Odionwere to use money from the communal treasury to heal the injured.

“He told us plainly that he had removed me as Okaighele and that he would install a new one within two weeks. We are now waiting to see what he does next,” Osasere stated.

He further disclosed that, reportedly on Akhere’s recommendation, the same agitators had been called to come before the Oba’s Palace to settle the conflict, but they had declined the invitation.

Osasere raised doubts about Akhere’s motivation, pointing to reports that the meddling might have something to do with financial incentive or land distribution.

“The Odionwere was even threatened that if he didn’t comply, he too would be removed. This cannot be driven by anything other than ulterior motives,” he said.

Osasere has reiterated before palace chiefs that the Odionwere still recognizes him as the authentic Okaighele in spite of the threats.

According to Benin customs, he emphasized, “That process was followed in my case.” Only the Odionwere, along with the elders’ council, can appoint a youth leader and bring him before the Oba for approval.

Osasere contended that those who want to resume the corrupt practice of selling the same piece of land to several buyers—a practice he and the Odionwere have vowed to cease after taking an oath before the Oba—are behind the agitation against him.

In response to the accusations, Paul Akhere insisted that the governor had the authority to maintain calm in his capacity as the state’s chief security officer and had directed the selection of a new youth leader in order to put an end to the disturbances.

Akhere maintained that he never takes action without the governor’s approval and asserted that the decision was brought about by popular dissatisfaction with Osasere’s reported 18-year term in power.