Timothy Omobude 
…Says Pa Akhimien must chose between tradition or church
By Timothy Omobude
Elders, woman and youths (indigenes) of Idunmwen-Ehigie village in Uhumwonde Local Government Area of Edo State have reported the village head (Odionwere) Pa John Akhimien to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II over his continuous refusal to do the needful as custom demand in the land.
The indigenes who protected at the community before demonstrating through the market said the time has come for the Odionwere to chose between traditional proceedings as demanded by the Benin custom or continue his role in church.
They said the Odionwere can not continue to take them for a ride by claiming to be the head of the community without performing according to his position.
According to Pa Egbenayaloben Edobor said Pa Akhimien has converted every assets of the community to himself including the market where he alleged payment for the rentage of the shops would be made directly to his private account instead of the community purse.
“He has directed all our resources to personal use, we don’t want to resort to self-help hence we want the intervention of our Royal Father.
Mr. Monday Ebuehi opined that Pa Akhimien since becoming the Odionwere of the community eleven years he has refuse to open the door of the (Oguaedion) venue for elders council meeting.
“We no want this man again as our Odionwere” ‘Him say na church him dey go’ he should face his church and leave tradition for those interested.
Madam Maria Agbonlahor who spoke on behalf of the woman in the community complained of total negligent and abandonment by Pa Akhimien stating that the appearance of the elders council venue which is now being occupied by rodents and covered by bush is a clear explanation of how the place has be left to reckless abandoned.
Another elder Pa Omoragbon Osewmonta also complained bitterly concerning the current state of things in the community.
Reacting to the claims by the indige, the Odionwere, Pa John Akhimien said those protect are people who could not have their way on putting the community on a reverse gear.
“They should not expect me to perform any traditional activities since the matter is before the palace he added.
