Edo community promises to defend historical identity

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Elders of Uhunmwoke Orhuma Ewuare community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area have vowed to defend the historical identity, territorial boundaries and autonomous status of the community against what they described as attempts by a suspended Enogie (Duke) and his associates to distort its history.

The elders, including the community head (Odionwere), Pa Ogieva Edomwonyi, Pa Sunny Omoregie Iyoha and Pa Oghogho Oteleku, said this during a briefing to journalists in Benin City, where they rejected claims questioning the community’s autonomy and traditional heritage.

‎The Odionwere, Pa Ogieva Edomwonyi, who spoke on behalf of the community, said: Uhunmwoke Orhuma Ewuare has a long and well-documented history dating back to the reign of Oba Ewuare I.

He reaffirmed the community’s loyalty to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Oba Ewuare II, while promising continued support for peace, development and respect for established authority.

His attempts to deny the community its autonomous status are baseless and amount to an attempt to erase a rich cultural identity that has endured for centuries.

‎Pa Edomwonyi said the origin of the community, natural boundaries and traditional institutions were established during the era of territorial expansion under Oba Ewuare I, adding that “historical facts cannot be altered to suit personal interests.”