society

Tension Brews in Edo Community as Chieftaincy Dispute Sparks Threats to Peace

Published

5 months ago

December 23, 2025

Tension Brews in Edo Community as Chieftaincy Dispute Sparks Threats to Peace

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 CP IGP MONITIRING UNIT , CP EDO STATE AND DGSS.

Concerned indigenes have formally petitioned the CP IGP monitoring unit, CP Edo state and DGSS, urging it to direct the Nigeria Police Force 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.

society

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

Published

1 day ago

June 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

4 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

4 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.