By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Edo State Police Command has deployed a team of security personnel to Iyanomo Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State to restore peace and order following a renewed leadership crisis in the community.
The leadership dispute over the succession to the position of Odionwere reportedly began on January 13, 2026, resulting in the destruction of property worth millions of naira and forcing many residents to flee the community for fear of attacks.
As part of efforts to restore normalcy, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, alongside the deployed security team, conducted a show of force across the community to reassure residents and reinforce the presence of security agencies.
Speaking to journalists during the operation, ASP Ikoedem said the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, ordered the deployment of an intervention team following reports of violent attacks in the community.
She assured residents that the security operatives would remain in the community until lasting peace is restored.
“We are here in Iyanomo Community to ensure peace, and the security personnel will remain here until normalcy is fully restored. The intervention team is complementing the ongoing investigation into the violent incidents, and those responsible will be arrested and brought to justice.
“This is not just a temporary show of force but a deliberate effort to restore lasting peace. We therefore urge residents who fled the community out of fear to return home, as adequate security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property,” she said.
Speaking on the cause of the crisis, Pa Robinson Izekor, who identified himself as the second in command to the late Odionwere, said the dispute stemmed from disagreements over who should succeed the deceased traditional head. According to him, one Felix Ediowe declined the position of Odionwere in 2021, prompting the community to appoint the late Wilfred Odegie.
He explained that following Odegie’s death, he was expected to assume the position as next in line but alleged that Felix Ediowe later expressed interest in the office, triggering the leadership crisis.
“After the death of the late Odionwere, I was supposed to take over the leadership of the community, but Felix Ediowe returned to lay claim to the position, and that marked the beginning of the crisis,” he alleged.
Another resident, Elder Fred Omo-Edigie, alleged that Felix Ediowe and Osawonyi Ikorogie were responsible for escalating the crisis by allegedly leading suspected cult members to attack residents and create fear through sporadic gunfire.
He further alleged that Ikorogie was involved in cult-related activities and claimed he used members of the Eiye confraternity to terrorise the community.
According to him, residents lived in fear from January until June 25, 2026, when, he claimed, Ikorogie was arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command.
He further alleged that firearms, cartridges, vehicle number plates, clothing, hard drugs and other items were recovered during the operation.
The resident commended the Commissioner of Police, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Oba of Benin for their efforts to restore peace in the community. He appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law and that lasting peace is restored to Iyanomo Community.
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