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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Police Command has deployed a security team to Iyanomo Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government to restore peace following renewed violence over the community’s traditional leadership.
The leadership dispute over the position of Odionwere erupted on January 13, 2026, leading to the destruction of properties worth millions of naira and forcing many residents to flee for safety.
As part of efforts to restore normalcy, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, alongside the deployed security personnel, conducted a show of force across the community.
Speaking with journalists, Ikoedem said the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, ordered the deployment after receiving reports of renewed attacks in the community.
She assured residents that the security team would remain in Iyanomo until peace is fully restored.
“We are here in Iyanomo Community to ensure peace, and the security men will remain here until normalcy is restored. The team is complementing the investigation already underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence and ensure they face justice.
“This is not a temporary show of force but a determined effort to restore lasting peace. We call on residents displaced by the crisis to return home, as security has been strengthened to protect lives and property,” she said.
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Explaining the cause of the crisis, Pa Robinson Izekor, who described himself as second-in-command to the late Odionwere, said the dispute centred on succession to the traditional stool.
According to him, Felix Ediowe declined the position in 2021, prompting the community to appoint Wilfred Odegie, who has since died.
“After his death, I am supposed to succeed him as Odionwere, but Felix Ediowe resurfaced and expressed interest, triggering the crisis,” he said.
Another resident, Elder Fred Omo-Edigie, accused Felix Ediowe and Osawonyi Ikorogie of orchestrating the violence by allegedly mobilising suspected cultists to terrorise residents.
He alleged that Ikorogie, whom he accused of belonging to the Eiye Confraternity, had used cult members to unleash violence in the community.
“From January 13, we lived in fear until the police intervened on June 25, 2026, when Osawonyi was arrested. During the operation, cartridges, vehicle number plates, clothes, suspected hard drugs, firearms and other incriminating items were recovered,” he claimed.
The residents commended the Commissioner of Police, the Edo State Government and the Oba of Benin for their efforts to restore peace and appealed for justice to be served.
