Following the quick intervention by men of the Nigeria Police Area Command in Edo Central in the dispute between the Onojie of Ugbegun Kingdom, HRH Samuel Obade II, in Esan Central Local Government and an APC Chieftain, Comrade Mathew Emiohe over move by the latter to demolish the Community’s 100 years ancestral tree have been resolved.
It would be recalled that the tree worshiped by the Community had been a subject of controversy between the traditional ruler and Mr Emiohe who had among other allegations petition the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and the State Commissioner of Police to intervene in what he described as alleged persecution, Victimization perpetrated against perceived APC leaders in the Community. The Monarch on his part had denied knowledge of any petition against him.
Speaking on the development with newsmen yesterday, Comrade Emiohe, said after due intervention by the Police Command in Edo Central and for the interest of peace in the Community he has decided to demolish his perimeter fence to give way for the tree which had been a contentious issues between himself and the traditional ruler.
Emiohe, however lauded the men of Edo Central Police Command for the peaceful resolution in the matter however said he would continue to speak against forces of victimization, intimidation and oppression anywhere it exist.
He explained “when the incident occurred I went to report the matter to the Area Commander in charge of areas and he came in a genuine bid for peace. So I had to shift my fence from the tree inspite of all the provocation.
“It is always my believe that the tree is a symbol of Unity among our people, I was not pressured to shift the fence. It has always been my intention do this all along but it was because of the obvious harassment and intimidation that iam against” He added.