Uneme-Osu, Edo State — A simmering chieftaincy dispute in Uneme-Osu Community, Edo State, is rapidly escalating into a grave security concern, as community leaders and stakeholders raise alarm over alleged intimidation, threats to life, and a looming breakdown of law and order.
The crisis centres on the disputed claim to the office of Village Head by Mr. Frederick Lucky Iyogun, also known as Fredrick Nyogun, whose emergence has been widely rejected by a majority of indigenes on grounds of alleged violations of long-established customs and traditions.
With tension at a boiling point, residents warn that timely intervention by the Edo State Governor, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commissioner of Police is now critical to avert possible bloodshed, particularly ahead of a scheduled community meeting on December 26.
Tradition at the Heart of the Crisis
Uneme-Osu operates a matrilineal system of succession, governed by a clearly defined traditional process. Under this system, nomination is made through the appropriate maternal kindred, followed by presentation to king makers, scrutiny and approval, coronation by the Odio, presentation to the Clan Head, and final ratification by the relevant government authority.
Community elders insist that any deviation from this process is invalid and capable of triggering communal unrest.
However, according to multiple stakeholders, the process that produced Mr. Iyogun allegedly bypassed critical traditional institutions, including the king makers and the Odio. His selection was reportedly conducted through a family-based election, a method elders describe as alien to Uneme-Osu tradition.
Allegations of Irregularities and Political Shielding
Beyond procedural violations, serious allegations have emerged, including claims of commercialization of the process, bribery, and the use of questionable or falsified documents to secure official recognition.
Adding to the controversy, community sources allege that Mr. Iyogun previously served as an aide to former Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. They claim that during that period, repeated alarms raised by king makers and elders over the alleged illegal selection process were ignored, a development residents say emboldened the disputed claimant and deepened the crisis.
Historical records, including the Partridge Report of 1957, affirm that village headship in Uneme communities is rotational—a principle already practiced in Erhuru and Ekpedo. Community sources insist the same principle applies to Uneme-Osu.
Although the Iyogun (Udochi) Kindred had previously proposed a rotational arrangement, elders note that the proposal was rejected by other kindreds due to unacceptable conditions, rendering it invalid.
Legitimacy Strongly Disputed
The community overwhelmingly recognizes Dr. S. O. Irune of the Okakwu Kindred, crowned in 2010, as the legitimate Village Head. The emergence of Mr. Iyogun—reportedly from the same kindred—has therefore raised fundamental questions about who nominated him and under what lawful authority.
Further controversy surrounds an alleged kindred known as “Ovbafo’ba”, cited in support of Mr. Iyogun’s claim. Elders describe the group as unknown to Uneme-Osu tradition and possibly fictitious.
Compounding the issue, the Odio, traditionally empowered to crown a Village Head, reportedly refused to crown Mr. Iyogun. Critics argue that any coronation carried out without the Odio’s consent is null and void under customary law.
Security Concerns Escalate
Since parading himself as Village Head, Mr. Iyogun has been accused of harassing and intimidating perceived opponents, as well as imposing illegal fines and levies on villagers, many of whom are already economically vulnerable.
Residents warn that these actions have intensified tension and could spark violent confrontation if urgent intervention is not taken.
“This is no longer just a traditional disagreement,” a community leader said. “It has become a serious security issue that threatens lives and public order.”
Petition to Commisioner of Police IGP Monitoring Unit,CP Edo State and DG, DSS
Concerned indigenes have formally petitioned the the CommissionerofPolice, IGP MonitoringUnit, the CommissionerofPolice, Edo State Commandand and the Director-General of Department of State Services, DSS , urging them to direct the Security agencies to immediately caution Mr. Iyogun, restrain him from parading himself as Village Head, and compel him to sign a written undertaking to cease all forms of intimidation and unlawful activities.
They also called for a thorough investigation into the documents used to secure his recognition, including forensic verification where necessary, and the deployment of proactive security measures to prevent violence, especially ahead of the December 26 meeting.
Call for Urgent Intervention
Community leaders are appealing to the Edo State Government, security agencies, and traditional institutions to act swiftly to restore peace, uphold tradition, and prevent Uneme-Osu from sliding into an avoidable crisis.
As tension continues to mount, residents warn that silence or delay could prove costly, stressing that prompt, decisive intervention remains the only path to stability, justice, and lasting peace in the community.
