Ute Community Crisis: Youth Leader Denies Alleged Invasion, Attack With Armed Thugs

The Okaighele (Youth Head) of Ute Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, Amb. Believe Oriakhi, has denied allegations that he invaded the community with armed thugs and attacked residents.

Oriakhi made the clarification while speaking with journalists against the backdrop of recent media reports in which some individuals allegedly accused him of invading the community with armed men.

He described the allegations as untrue, saying the controversy was linked to a disagreement over the leadership position of Okaighele in the community.

According to him, some individuals led by one Mr. Johnbul Orobosa Idehen were allegedly behind the crisis because they were opposed to the decision of the palace on who should occupy the position of Okaighele.

Oriakhi said the matter was brought before the palace on February 17, 2026, where, according to him, it was ruled that he should remain in office until the expiration of the three-year tenure, after which the Ozukpogieva, described as the second-most senior person, would assume the position of Odionwere.

He alleged that Idehen, however, insisted on replacing him with one Christopher Iyangbe, whom he described as a Bush Inspector, following what he termed an “abominable act” allegedly committed by Idehen in the community.

He further alleged that he had been subjected to threats and pressure to resign from his position, including being forced at gunpoint, adding that he eventually stepped aside temporarily for his safety while pursuing the matter through legal channels.

Oriakhi explained that following the death of the Odionwere, members of the community wrote to the palace and were invited on February 17 to resolve the leadership dispute.

He said the palace subsequently reaffirmed the position of the Ozukpogieva, Pa. John Ogieriakhi, pending the expiration of the three-year period for the installation of another Odionwere.

He added that the chiefs also reaffirmed his position as Okaighele and allegedly informed the Ohen that, as a Chief Priest, he did not have the authority to appoint or remove a legitimate Okaighele.

According to him, the parties were invited back to the palace on February 19, where the decision was again reaffirmed.

Oriakhi alleged that the decision did not go down well with some individuals, who he claimed subsequently mobilised armed men and cult members to the community.

He alleged that the group chased him and his family out of the community and later went to his poultry farm, where they allegedly killed his chickens after failing to find him.

“Ever since, they have been terrorising the community and forcing me at gunpoint to resign my position as Okaighele. For my own safety, I had to obey so that I could pursue the matter legally,” he said.

Oriakhi said complaints had been made to the police, the state government and the local government authorities over the matter.

He also alleged that the individuals involved had declined invitations from the local government chairman on three occasions and also failed to honour two invitations from the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor.

He said that, as a result of the crisis, he had not been able to return to Ute Community for about eight months, adding that the Ozukpogieva and other elders had also allegedly been affected by the dispute.

Oriakhi further alleged that the self-appointed Okaighele, Christopher Iyangbe, had been involved in the resale of lands previously acquired by members of the public and had allegedly revived activities of Community Development Associations (CDAs) that had been outlawed in the community.

He expressed concern that such activities could create further tension and instability in Ute, alleging that the crisis was being exploited by some individuals to pursue their interests in the community's land.

“I am known for peace. I don't want to engage myself against the law, but I want to ensure that peace reigns in the community. I am using this medium to call on all sons and daughters of Ute Community to remain united for the growth and development of our community,” he said.

He also appealed to property owners and developers who allegedly had their lands taken over to come forward with valid documents to establish ownership.

“I want to appeal to developers whose properties have allegedly been taken over by Christopher Iyangbe and his group to come with their documents and reclaim their properties, because nobody has the right to forcefully take another person's land,” he said.

He added that affected property owners who could provide valid documents for lands legally acquired from the community should visit the community town hall between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily for verification and possible restoration of their properties.