Stakeholders from seven communities in Orogho Dukedom, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have accused their traditional ruler of diverting funds meant for development.
The indigenes, who briefed journalists in Benin on Wednesday, said despite monies coming from oil companies operating in the area, the dukedom has remained underdeveloped.
The seven communities are Orogho, Uwuo, Obagie Nunuamen, Iwevbo, Ugbigun, Obanakhoro and Ekhigbe.
The convener, Osahon Imaru, alleged that the Enogie, Prince Patrick Osayande Akenzua, mismanaged funds accruing to the dukedom and introduced representatives in each community who now oppress residents.
He cited the alleged diversion of ?38.5 million disbursed by NEW CROSS Petroleum to ancestral land owners and communities along its pipeline corridor.
The group also alleged illegal sale of a large parcel of land at Ere-Egwa farm in the Savannah area without community consent.
According to them, the land was retrieved after some indigenes of Orogho and Owuo blocked attempts to procure a Certificate of Occupancy for the land at the Ministry of Lands and Survey.
Imaru said they have documents to back their claims and had first sought to resolve the matter internally.
He said they later petitioned the Oba of Benin through the Benin Traditional Council, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Orhionmwon Local Government Council, following what they described as autocratic leadership by the Enogie.
On the suspended election in the area, the group said it was a welcome development to allow proper resolution of the crises.
‘We are not against the traditional institution. We respect the Enogie stool, but we want transparency and participation of all seven communities in decisions affecting us,’ Imaru said.
The stakeholders appealed to the Oba of Benin and government authorities to intervene to ensure peace, accountability and development in the dukedom.