…Declaration of self as village head unlawful
The Edo State Government has directed security operatives in the State to maintain law and order in Weppa Wanno Kingdom of Etsako-East Local Government of the State, even as it also ordered the immediate arrest of one Francis Ozekhomhe for declaring himself as the Village Head in the Weppa Uwanno Kingdom.
The order for Ozekhomhe’s arrest was handed down by the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, at the Government House, Benin City, while describing him as an impostor.
The said Ozekhomhe has been given 48 hours within which to report himself to the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City or risk being declared wanted by the State Government.
Dr. said Dr. Francis Ozekhomhe had declared himself Village Head of the Iviukuwe Community in the Uwanno Kingdom, Agenebode, Etsako-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
As part of efforts to resolve the lingering dispute over claims to the Village Head of Iviukuwe, the Deputy Governor had set up a committee, headed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo.
However, Dr.Ozekhomhe and his group had deliberately failed to honour three meetings called by the Office of the Deputy Governor.
“The last time we invited them, they were not here and we had to move the meeting and it continued three times after a series of pleas from them, for enough time to have their documentation done.”
“We have a Governor who has the will and might and he is not afraid to enforce law and order in the State”
Comrade Philip Shaibu in meeting with concerned staff and chiefs
“As far as we are concerned, every territory in the State must be governed by laid down rules and any gazetted authority by Government must be respected”.
“Nobody in that area and indeed, in the State, is above the law. The representatives of the Police Command and 4th Brigade should have Dr. Francis Ozekhomhe arrested within the next 48 hours if he fails to report himself to relevant authorities”.
“If it is difficult to get him, he should be declared wanted for impersonation, disobedience to constituted authority and instigation of community crisis”.
“Edo is not safe for trouble-makers and we will not hesitate to drive them out and make everyone obey the laws guiding the land. We all must live in harmony to move our State to a place of prosperity”, Shaibu added.