From Owe Akenzua, Asaba
Children of Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen, the first Enogie of Urhiri-Eresoyen in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area in Edo State, have appealed to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11, to intervene in the alleged usurpation of their father’s throne by Richard Omonefe.
Although the said Omonefe is currently among the Enigies suspended indefinitely by Oba Ewuare, he still parades himself as the Enogie of Urhiri-Eresoyen whereas he is not in anyway a member of the family or has any genealogical linage to their father.
In a letter addressed to Oba Ewuare, titled ‘A Case of Usurpation of Enogie Stool in Urhiri-Eresoyen Community, an Appeal for Your Majesty’s Kind Intervention’, Barrister Friday Ogierkhiakhi said Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen was the first Enogie of Urhiri-Eresoyen Community until he joined his ancestors, adding that he was immediately succeeded by Aghan, his second son because Obamwonyi’s eldest surviving son, Okundaye was on a prolonged sojourn from Urhiri-Eresoyen Community. Expectedly, Afghan would however surrender to his elder brother when he eventually returns to the community, instead he assumed the stool of Enogie of Urhiri-Eresoyen Community, following the transition of Okundaye.
Aghan was survived by a daughter, Ekhaguere who in line with established Benin Customs and traditions, is from the linage of Okundaye and ought to step into the Enogie’s position.
Curiously, certain under currents and intrigues returned Omonefe, a man of Urhobo descent, an apprentice (Ewaise) to Aghan, as a tradomedical practitioner and a diviner of sort as Enogie, a situation, unfortunately, Omonefe was predeceased by Obasogie ( Uyiekpen) his eldest son.
In perpetuation however of Urhobo hegemony over Urhiri- ERESOYEN:, Ogunbor, Omonefe’s younger son was aided and sustained on the stool and that order has been maintained till date:, much against the legitimate rights, entitlements and, or claims of the children of Prince Obamwonyi ERESOYEN.
In their appeal petition, Barrister Ogieriahikhi said that the person at present purporting to be the Enogie of Ukhiri-ERESOYEN Community is Richard Osaigbovo Ogunbor Omonefe, adding that the contention of Prince Obamwonyi ERESOYEN’S Children with respect is that he ( Richard Osaigbovo Ogunbor Omonefe) sits as an extension of the usurpation of their rights and entitlements:, adding that only a person of Obamwonyi ERESOYEN’S linage could be an Enogie legimately as they ( Children of Obamwonyi ERESOYEN) could be better illuminated by the following settled facts:, to wit: Prince Obamwonyi ERESOYEN was the first Enogie of Ukhiri-ERESOYEN Community, Obamwonyi was variously succeeded as Enogie by Okundaye and Aghan, Omonefe who assumed the Enogie of Ukhiri-ERESOYEN Community has no lineagical, genealogical or ancestral relationship with Obamwonyi ERESOYEN, Omonefe and his Offsprings have no claims nor access to the ancestral spiritual insignia of worship or authority ( Ukhuere) of Obamwonyi ERESOYEN, whereas, Obamwonyi, Okundaye, Aghan and several others of their generations who are Offspring of Obamwonyi have their mortal remains interred in Ukhiri-ERESOYEN Community as against Omonefe and his Offspring, who takes their departed outside for burial, Enogieship of Ukhiri-ERESOYEN Community is ordinarily founded on the principles of primogeniture, save Obamwonyi, Okundaye and Aghan:, every other person from Omonefe who had assumed the Enogie of Ukhiri-ERESOYEN Community are either imposters or usurpers or both as the person on the line of succession to the stool of Enogie of Ukhiri-ERESOYEN Community along Obamwonyi ERESOYEN bloodline is OSAZE NOWAN Okoro.
In a swift reaction, Richard Osaigbovo Ogunbor Omonefe, however admitted that issue was seemingly settled, adding that unfortunately, he was suspended from the throne alongside others (Enigies) by Oba Ewuare11, the Oba of Benin hence the settlement was stalled, stressing that he has never been involved in parading himself as Enogie since he has been on indefinite suspension.
