Robinson Amadasun, the newly installed Odionwere of Ikpako village in Ovia North-East LGA of Edo, has called on sons and daughters of the community to unite and contribute to its growth and development.

Mr Amadasun made the appeal shortly after his installation as Odionwere of the community. The septuagenarian was installed following a court order that declared the stool vacant after a prolonged tussle over its rightful occupant.

The court sitting in Okada, Ovia North-East LGA, upheld the community’s decision to remove James Ailegboze as Odionwere due to allegations of high-handedness and acts considered sacrilegious.

It was subsequently ordered that the most senior male in the village be installed as Odionwere, in line with Benin customs and traditions. Mr Amadasun expressed gratitude to Oba Ewuare II for upholding the traditions of the Benin Kingdom through his pronouncements, which the court affirmed.

He urged all residents of the community to embrace unity and work towards its development.

Also speaking, Monday Osahenohator, of the Okaeghele, said peace had returned to the community. He extended a hand of reconciliation to those still aggrieved by the leadership tussle and urged them to put the past behind them.

“As Okaeghele, I join the Odionwere and the elders’ council in appealing to my brothers and sisters, including those still hurt by the court case, to move forward with the leadership and focus on developing our community,” he said. “We have all experienced one form of pain or another. Now is the time to heal, with the installation of the new Odionwere.”

(NAN)