Ogieneni Breaks Silence, Denies ₦15m Bribery Claim, Defends Ayogwiri Succession
By Abdullateef Muhammad | July 15, 2026
The Ogieneni of Uzairue, His Royal Highness Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai, has dismissed allegations that he accepted ₦15 million to influence the appointment of Bello Inaboya as the Community Head of Ayogwiri, insisting that the decision was guided strictly by tradition, due process and consultations with recognized custodians of the community.
Addressing leaders of the Uzairue Sons and Daughters (USD), the monarch gave a detailed account of the succession process following the death of the late Chief Braimah Okhumeode Inaboya. He explained that while members of the Eshiemogie family initially laid claim to the stool, four recognized elders of Ayogwiri unanimously affirmed that the traditional headship rightfully belongs to the Inaboya family.
According to the Ogieneni, disagreement later emerged within the Inaboya family over who should succeed the late community head. Although the four elders were divided between Inaboya Amidu and Bello Inaboya, the Inaboya family eventually presented Bello Inaboya as its unanimous choice after consultations.
The monarch disclosed that Inaboya Amidu later sought his support and was advised to reconcile with his family to secure its endorsement. However, he was unable to do so and instead initiated legal action, paving the way for the eventual recognition of Bello Inaboya.
Reacting to allegations that he received ₦15 million to influence the process, the Ogieneni described the claim as false, malicious and unfounded. He maintained that no amount of money could compromise his commitment to justice or the integrity of the Uzairue traditional institution.
He acknowledged that customary gifts were presented to the palace by supporters of the various contenders but stressed that he deliberately refrained from taking possession of such gifts to avoid any perception of bias.
The monarch also condemned renewed verbal attacks against him by an Afashio-born social media commentator known as "General Koboko," revealing that the individual had previously been cautioned after his family apologized on his behalf. He warned that any further attacks on the throne would be addressed through lawful means to protect the dignity of the Uzairue traditional institution.
Commending the Uzairue Sons and Daughters (USD), the United Muslim Youth Association of Nigeria (UMYAN) and other supporters for standing with the palace, the Ogieneni called on all sons and daughters of Uzairue, both at home and abroad, to set aside their differences and unite for the peace, progress and sustainable development of the kingdom.
The Ogieneni of Uzairue, His Royal Highness Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai, has dismissed allegations that he accepted ₦15 million to influence the appointment of Bello Inaboya as the Community Head of Ayogwiri, insisting that the decision was guided strictly by tradition, due process and consultations with recognized custodians of the community.
Addressing leaders of the Uzairue Sons and Daughters (USD), the monarch gave a detailed account of the succession process following the death of the late Chief Braimah Okhumeode Inaboya. He explained that while members of the Eshiemogie family initially laid claim to the stool, four recognized elders of Ayogwiri unanimously affirmed that the traditional headship rightfully belongs to the Inaboya family.
According to the Ogieneni, disagreement later emerged within the Inaboya family over who should succeed the late community head. Although the four elders were divided between Inaboya Amidu and Bello Inaboya, the Inaboya family eventually presented Bello Inaboya as its unanimous choice after consultations.
The monarch disclosed that Inaboya Amidu later sought his support and was advised to reconcile with his family to secure its endorsement. However, he was unable to do so and instead initiated legal action, paving the way for the eventual recognition of Bello Inaboya.
Reacting to allegations that he received ₦15 million to influence the process, the Ogieneni described the claim as false, malicious and unfounded. He maintained that no amount of money could compromise his commitment to justice or the integrity of the Uzairue traditional institution.
He acknowledged that customary gifts were presented to the palace by supporters of the various contenders but stressed that he deliberately refrained from taking possession of such gifts to avoid any perception of bias.
The monarch also condemned renewed verbal attacks against him by an Afashio-born social media commentator known as "General Koboko," revealing that the individual had previously been cautioned after his family apologized on his behalf. He warned that any further attacks on the throne would be addressed through lawful means to protect the dignity of the Uzairue traditional institution.
Commending the Uzairue Sons and Daughters (USD), the United Muslim Youth Association of Nigeria (UMYAN) and other supporters for standing with the palace, the Ogieneni called on all sons and daughters of Uzairue, both at home and abroad, to set aside their differences and unite for the peace, progress and sustainable development of the kingdom.