The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has dismissed Ovbokhan Igbinovia, the priest of Okhuoromi community in Oredo Local Government Area, over allegations of land grabbing, extortion, and unauthorized demolition of private properties.

The royal decision was announced on Thursday, May 15, 2025, following what palace officials described as "a clear violation of Benin customs and tradition" by the priest.

Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, conveyed the monarch's order to the elders of Okhuoromi community, led by its Odionwere (village head), Pa. Oghagbon Edosomwan. The Oba has mandated the village head to administer the area on his behalf following the priest's dismissal.

During the announcement, which was made in the presence of other palace chiefs including Isaac Oyeoba (Oyeoba of Benin) and Chief Uyi Okungbowa (Ogua of Benin), Chief Idah warned that anyone who contravenes the verdict would "incur the wrath of the law and ancestors."

The Oba emphasized that the Benin throne does not support acts of lawlessness and criminality under any guise and has distanced the palace from the alleged sacrilege. He urged the people of Okhuoromi community to eschew violence while assuring victims that justice would be served.

"Palace chiefs have been assigned to further investigate and assess the level of damages in the community," Chief Idah stated, advising victims to channel their complaints with pictorial and video evidence to the appropriate authorities.

The dismissal comes amid growing concerns about land grabbing and unauthorized property demolition in parts of Edo State, with traditional institutions now taking decisive action to curb such practices.

This royal intervention highlights the continuing significance of traditional governance structures in maintaining social order and protecting community interests in modern Nigeria.