By DADA AYOKHAI
The Eshiemogie and Osigbemeh royal families in Ayogwiri community, Uzairue Clan, Etsako West Local Government of Edo State, have thrown their hats into the ring, expressing interest in contesting the vacant royal stool in the community.
The stool became vacant following the passing of Alhaji Braimah Inaboya, the late royal father .
In a separate open letter to the Ayogwiri community, the two royal families assert that the Ayogwiri throne traditionally rightly belongs to the Eshishemogie and Ivowi ruling houses.
The Eshishemogie’s family in a letter signed by Mr. Momodu Eshiemogie, called for the adoption of the primogeniture system to determine the next ruler of Ayogwiri . Alternatively, they propose that the successor come from either the Ivowi or Eshiemogie lineages, citing traditional claims to the throne .
According to them, “From the history of ascension and ownership of the royal stool cascaded to us by our grandfathers which we believe that Ayogwiri indigenes share as well, there is no argument that the royal stool of Ayogwiri belongs to Eshiemogie and Ivowi families by the virtue of their being the off shoots of past kings (Ivowi and Eshiemogies). In the name of God and founders of Ayogwiri, we beat our chest to say this.”
The Osigbemeh family’s letter, signed by Pastor Ganiyu Momoh and Comr. Abubakar Yahya Abdulrazaq, puts forth their claim to the throne and formally expressed interest in contesting for the vacant Ayogwiri royal stool.
They said “it is a well-established historical fact that Osigbemeh was one of the sons of Chief lvowi (of blessed memory), who ascended the throne after Ogoza, the founder of Apogoza in Evbokhai Quarters of Ayogwiri Community.
”Historical records further show that descendants of Chief lvowi-namely: Chief Eboetse lvowi,
Eshemogie lvowi, and
bu Eboetse, at different periods in history ascended the throne of Ayogwiri Community.”
In a related development , the Inaboya family in an appreciation letter signed by Mallam Zekeri Inaboya and Secretary Issac Inaboya, extends gratitude to the Ayogwiri people for their support during the 40th-day prayer held on December 29, 2025, in honor of the late Chief Braimah Inaboya II .
