The Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor, has threatened legal action against members of Okhoromi community over allegations of his involvement in land grabbing activities.

The threat comes barely 48 hours after Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, deposed Kelvin Ovbokhan Igbinovia, the spiritual head (Ohen) of Okhoromi community, for alleged land grabbing, extortion, and unauthorized demolition of private properties.

On May 14, 2025, a day before the deposition of the embattled priest, community members had staged a protest at the Oba's palace, accusing Irabor of allegedly aiding the priest in property demolition and land grabbing activities. The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as "Frank Irabor stop supporting the evil Act" and alleged that the BTC Secretary was rewarded with a parcel of land measuring 100 x 50 feet.

In his response, Irabor described the allegations as "false, baseless, unfounded and an attempt to give a dog a bad name to hang it." He has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the community, particularly to Victor Aigbe John, the spokesman for the protesters, to retract the allegations or face severe litigation.

"I am compelled to address the malicious allegations circulating about my alleged involvement with the Ohen of Okhoromi. The claims that I aided and protected the Ohen in demolishing property in the community and that I was rewarded with a 100 x 50 plot of land are entirely false and baseless," Irabor stated.

He further emphasized that there was no evidence to support these allegations and challenged anyone from the Okhoromi Community, particularly Victor Aigbe John, to provide proof of such claims within seven days or face legal consequences.

Irabor, who described the allegations as "totally malicious and an attempt to deliberately smear my person, family and integrity," maintained that as a public figure, he remains committed to his duties as assigned by the Oba of Benin and would never engage in actions that compromise these responsibilities.

"I am committed to upholding justice and protecting the rights of all individuals, including the Okhoromi Community," he added, while vehemently denying any involvement in aiding or protecting the priest in demolishing property or engaging in any unlawful activities.

The BTC Secretary has called on relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and take action against those allegedly spreading false information about him.