WHAT seems like a persistent crisis that wouldn’t abate, the claimants to the Oje of Ora Stool and the custodians of Sabongidda (Evbiobe) Ora Community have advised Chief Jeffery Eromose Okanigbuan to stop parading himself as the Oje of Ora as instructed by the Edo State Government.
In a letter titled: “Appointment of Oje Of Ora: Putting The Issues In Proper Perspective” made available to Trojan.com.ng correspondent, the Secretary-General of Sabongidda (Evbiobe) Ora Community, James Alufohai succinctly addressed the issues on the point of law.
In the letter Alufohai said the Edion-Urukpa “acting exclusively as king makers has a minimal function of confirming the nominee of the Community whose turn it is to select a candidate.
”We have just seen the publication in the social media titled “REJOINDER” by the Ora Traditional Council. This write up is aimed at letting the public know the truth of the issues at stake.
”The so-called rejoinder by Ora Traditional Council is a bundle of falsehood and an acceptance of engaging in acts of illegalities.
”The law is very clear as to how an Oje of Ora is appointed. It is only the Governor, upon the approval of the Executive Council of the State, that has the authority to appoint the Oje of Ora and not the Edion-urukpa.
The Ora Traditional Council has no function or role in the selection, confirmation or appointment of the Oje of Ora. Only the Edion-Urukpa, acting exclusively as king makers, has a minimal function of confirming the nominee of the Community whose turn it is to select a candidate.
”The letter by the Commissioner of Local Government and Community Affairs dated 19th October 2021, strongly advising Chief Jeff Okanigbuan from parading himself as Oje of Ora, is in order and has the backing of the law.
”What is expected of Chief Jeff Okanigbuan is compliance with the terms of the letter rather than issuing a rejoinder aimed at steering up breach of peace in Ora land.
”Contentious issues about the appointment of the Oje of Ora are in Court. The Court of Appeal and the High Court of Justice in a bid to determine the rightful Oje of Ora.
”All sons and daughters of Ora and the general public are advised to discontinuance any claim by anybody not appointed by the Governor of the State as the Oje of Ora”, the letter reads in full.
