By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State government recently reversed its decision to revoke the creation of the South East Uneme clan and reinstated the royal father, HRH Benjamin ikhani.
This decision, which was initially executed on April 2021, also affected the status of HRH Benjamin Ikhani, the Oliola of the Uzanu clan, as his position was downgraded.
Former governor Adams Oshiomole had created the Uzanu clan at the end of his tenure, which is the domain of Prince Clem Agba, a former minister of state for Budget and National Planning.
Even though there is no official statement from the Edo state government, the Uzanus probably got a hint of the government decision hence the jubilation across the community.
The initial decision to revoke the creation sparked anger and fury amongst the people, with many viewing it as unjust and politically motivated.
However, the state government, through the SSG, Bar Osarodion Ogie Esq, insisted that its decision was right and based on the prevailing security situation in the community especially the intractable communal crisis between the Uzanu clan and her neighbour, Igiode, which had resulted in the loss of life and destruction of property.
The state government also withdrew its recognition of HRH Benjamin Ikhani’s appointment with immediate effect.
Despite several appeals by concerned individuals and groups including the President of the Afenmai Patriotic Development Association, Mr Kennedy Izuagbe, the state government stuck to its guns and refused to bulge.
