Residents of Ikole community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State have staged a protest seeking the intervention of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, over alleged destruction of their farmlands and crops.

The protest, which took place on Wednesday at the secretariat of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City, saw community members alleging that one Monday Igbinoba masterminded the destruction of their agricultural lands.

Mr. Elvis Obaruyi, spokesperson for the protesting residents and secretary of the community, expressed their pain over the destruction, stating that it has caused significant hardship for community members who depend on farming for their livelihood.

"We are so surprised that someone who came to settle in our community some years ago is now the person calling the shots and allocating our farmlands to a company," Obaruyi said. "He is conniving with a company in the community to destroy our crops thereby throwing the inhabitants into starvation."

According to the protesters, Igbinoba, who they claim is not originally from Ikole, is allegedly parading himself as the acting Odionwere (eldest person) of the community and has reportedly sold community lands to a company without residents' knowledge or consent.

Obaruyi highlighted that the community is already dealing with challenges from herders, and this new threat to their farmlands compounds their problems. He appealed to both the Oba of Benin and the state government to intervene urgently to prevent starvation and potential breakdown of law and order in the community.

Igbinoba Responds to Allegations

When contacted, Monday Igbinoba, through his secretary Mr. James Enofe Omoregie, explained that the land allocation to the company was agreed upon by all community elders, including himself. Igbinoba confirmed that he is currently serving as the acting Odionwere of the community.

He added that the issue of who becomes the substantive Odionwere would soon be settled by the palace of the Oba of Benin, with a meeting scheduled for June 10, 2025.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over land rights and traditional leadership in rural Edo communities, with residents hoping for swift intervention from state authorities and traditional institutions to resolve the conflict.