The Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM), a socio-political group in Benin, has expressed its disapproval of the activities of Chief Johnson Atseleghe in Iguelaba, a community in the heart of Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
In a statement signed by Elder Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, President and Ms Esohe Adun, Secretary General, the BSM stated that Chief Atseleghe, who is of Itsekiri extraction in Delta State and who in the past laid siege to Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, has spread his tentacles to Iguelaba “where his modus operandi has been a reccurring decimal of destruction of properties of the indigenous people that he feels are not in support of his crude behaviour.”
Going further, the group said: “What is at the centre of his latest act of brigandage we learnt is that he has taken it upon himself to recommend those that will be employed to partake in the security of the oil facilities in the locality.
“He does this discriminately recommending those that are in his good books contrary to the supposed laid down guideline that such individuals should be recommended by the community leaders in line with the well known culture of Benin Kingdom whereby a direct subject of the Benin Palace, the Ohen of Iguelaba Community is the rightful representive of the Oba of Benin Kingdom in the Community, who is the only one that’s vested with that authority on behalf of the Benin monarch.
Atseleghe, according to the BSM “has taken full authority of been the alpha and omega in this role of recommending capable hands that will safeguard the oil facilities in Ighueleba, a community that is within the authority of the Benin monarch.
“This is one action that is well beyond his authority. Atseleghe should learn how to live in harmony with his lovable Benin hosts. If he is interested in activating his authority he should as well just take charge in his Itsekiri homeland in Delta State where he has been recognised as a chief.
“His territorial control does not extend to Edo State. His atrocities are getting out of hand in Benin Kingdom. A word should be enough to let him adjust swiftly to the fact that his intransigence in Edo State is purely a nuisance which the BSM can no longer condone.”
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