By Dada Ayokhai
A development similar to Nigeria’s political experience, where disagreements often result in parallel authorities, has reportedly occurred within the Uneme Uzanu royal institution. A faction allegedly backed by a former Federal Government appointee has purportedly installed a factional Oliola, an action that has deepened tension and drawn widespread rejection from community stakeholders.
The purported installation has sparked a power struggle in the Uneme Uzanu Royal Kingdom, with many residents questioning its legitimacy due to the absence of government recognition, lawful kingmakers, and the Ogamode, the spiritual head and eldest living member of the community.
Muhammadu Osiregbemhe Adamu was purportedly installed as the factional Oliola (king) of the Uzanu-Uneme clan at a brief ceremony reportedly held in Uzanu on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Community sources maintain that the ceremony was conducted by only two individuals out of the nine officially recognized members of the Oliola-in-Council and Kingmakers. The exercise allegedly took place without any representation or approval from the Local or Edo State Government, in clear violation of established chieftaincy procedures.
More significantly, the Ogamode—who is traditionally the eldest living person in the community and a central spiritual authority, was not present at the purported installation. Community elders insist that no valid installation of an Oliola can take place without the Ogamode’s knowledge, participation, or consent.
A community commentator described the action as unlawful and destabilizing, stating:
“There is no vacancy on the throne, as the incumbent Oliola has neither been lawfully removed nor succeeded by demise”.
The so-called installation was carried out without legitimate kingmakers, without government recognition, and without the Ogamode. It is null and void, a violation of our customs and laws, and a deliberate attempt to destabilize our peaceful community.”
Supporters of Muhammadu Osiregbemhe Adamu had earlier published an advertisement in The Guardian newspaper in May 2025, accusing the incumbent monarch, HRH Benjamin Ikani, of misrule, financial recklessness, and alleged torture of community members, while calling for his removal.
Following the publication, the then Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Lucky Eseigbe, reportedly intervened and mediated between the parties. Meetings were said to have taken place at his office in Benin City and later at the residence of the Ogamode in Uzanu.
Sources claim that issues were resolved and parties were urged to pursue dialogue, in line with the Edo State Government’s commitment to peace and stability.
Despite these interventions, members of the Uzanu community have described the purported installation as a “royal mockery,” emphasizing that Muhammadu Osiregbemhe Adamu does not hail from any recognized ruling family and that all due traditional and legal processes were disregarded.
Community leaders maintain that the entire purported installation lacks legitimacy, having been carried out without government recognition, without lawful kingmakers, and without the presence or consent of the Ogamode, and therefore cannot be recognized under Edo State chieftaincy laws.
Controversial Installation of Oliola in Uneme Uzanu,Govt Recognition Missing
