Ogieneni Breaks Silence, Slams Critics, Speculators Over Ayogwiri Succession, Warns Against Attacks on Traditional Institution

By 
Abdullateef Muhammad 

July 15, 2026.

The Ogieneni of Uzairue, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai, has broken his silence over the controversy surrounding the appointment of Bello Inaboya as the Community Head of Ayogwiri-Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state. The Ogieneni  strongly criticized what he described as unfounded criticisms and speculations surrounding the succession process in the Ayogwiri community. He reaffirmed his commitment to justice, due process and the preservation of Uzairue's revered traditional institution.

The revered monarch has come under public scrutiny following the appointment of Bello Inaboya to succeed the late Community Head of Ayogwiri. While some critics alleged that the decision disregarded the wishes of the wider Ayogwiri community, others speculated that the Ogieneni was induced with ₦15 million to influence the selection process. 

The controversy was further fuelled after an Afashio-born social media commentator, popularly known as "General Koboko," launched a series of verbal attacks and allegations against the traditional ruler over the Ayogwiri succession.

Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the Uzairue Sons and Daughters (USD), the Ogieneni gave a detailed account of the succession process, rejected allegations of compromise, addressed the attacks against his person and the throne and called on all sons and daughters of Uzairue to remain united in pursuing development for the kingdom.

According to the Ogieneni, the succession process commenced shortly after the demise of Late Chief Braimah Okhumeode Inaboya, the Community Head of Ayogwiri, when members of his family approached the palace seeking the appointment of a successor from within their lineage.

The Ogieneni explained that the matter became contentious after Sumaila Eshiemogie of Ayogwiri, laid claim to the stool on behalf of the Eshiemogie's family, with his supporters insisting that the traditional headship belonged to their lineage.

To establish the historical position beyond doubt, the Ogieneni said that he invited the four recognised elders of Ayogwiri, representing the four quarters of the community, namely; Sule Igenegbai, Idonigie Onoku, Abdullah Momodu and Zuma Eguaide to clarify the traditional line of succession.

According to him, the four elders unanimously affirmed that the Ayogwiri headship should remain with the Inaboya family, thereby settling the competing claim advanced by the Eshiemogie's family.

The Ogieneni further stated that the disagreement thereafter shifted to members of the Inaboya family over who should succeed the late Community Head.

The Ogieneni explained that when he reconvened the same four elders on the preferred aspirant from Inaboya's family, they expressed differing opinions. The first two elders supported the aspiration of Inaboya Amidu, (the first son of Late Chief Braimah Okhumeode Inaboya) while the other last two elders, favoured Bello Inaboya, (the last son of the late Chief Braimah Okhumeode Inaboya).

Faced with the division among the  four elders, the Ogieneni said that, he invited the Inaboya family to present its collective position. He disclosed that the family unanimously endorsed Bello Inaboya as its preferred candidate for the stool.

The monarch further revealed that Inaboya Amidu later travelled to see him in Abuja for his support. He said he advised him to reconcile with his family and secure their unanimous endorsement, assuring him that he would be given sufficient time to do so.

According to the Ogieneni, despite the opportunity afforded him, Inaboya Amidu was unable to obtain the support of his family, instead, he instituted a legal action against him. This thereafter resulted in the pronouncement of Bello Inaboya whom the Inaboya family unanimously presented on behalf of the family 

The Ogieneni maintained that his decision was based solely on consultations with the recognised custodians of Ayogwiri tradition and the expressed wishes of the ruling family.

"The recognised traditional authorities of Ayogwiri unanimously affirmed that the stool should remain with the Inaboya family. Thereafter, the Inaboya family itself collectively endorsed Bello Inaboya. My decision was guided entirely by these consultations and by the wishes of the legitimate custodians of the community's tradition," the monarch stated.

Responding to allegations that he accepted ₦15 million to influence the succession, the Ogieneni dismissed the claim as false, baseless and malicious.

He insisted saying that no financial inducement could influence his judgment in matters relating to justice, tradition and the integrity of the throne.

The monarch acknowledged that the family and supporters of  Bello Inaboya, Inaboya Amidu, and Sumaila Eshiemogie, occasionally presented customary royal gifts during visits to the palace. However, he explained that he deliberately refrained from appropriating such gifts for personal use, rather, directing members of his palace to keep them instead in order to avoid any perception of bias or compromise.

"I categorically reject the allegation that I received ₦15 million. I am not a ruler who can be induced or influenced by money to compromise justice or tradition," the Ogieneni declared.

In another development, the Ogieneni also addressed the recent attacks against him by the Afashio-born social media commentator known as "General Koboko."

He recalled that when the individual first launched insults against him and respected sons of Uzairue, he summoned the Community Head of Afashio and the man's family to the palace.

According to the monarch, the family apologized and pleaded on his behalf, prompting him to appeal to all those who were angry to exercise restraint in the interest of peace and unity.

The Ogieneni expressed disappointment that despite those interventions, the attacks had resumed.

"Regrettably, he has now returned to the same pattern of insubordination and abusive attacks against my person and the revered institution I represent. This time, such conduct will not go without appropriate consequences. The matter will be addressed through lawful and appropriate measures so that it serves as a clear lesson to him and a deterrent to anyone who may be tempted to emulate such disrespectful behaviour towards the traditional institution of Uzairue," the monarch said.

The Ogieneni commended the Uzairue Sons and Daughters (USD), the United Muslim Youth Association of Nigeria (UMYAN) who were at the palace for solidarity tp the Ogieneni and other concerned individuals and groups for their support, affirming that any lawful measure aimed at protecting the dignity of the throne would receive his full backing.

The traditional ruler concluded by urging all sons and daughters of Uzairue, both at home and in the diaspora, to set aside differences and work collectively for the advancement of the kingdom.

"Uzairue is one united kingdom and its progress and development remain a collective responsibility. Let us therefore join hands in unity to advance meaningful discussions and initiatives that will promote the growth, peace and prosperity of our land," the Ogieneni said.

"We all share the sacred duty of attracting sustainable and impactful development to Uzairue. So any genuine effort, proposal or initiative aimed at advancing the welfare of our people and the overall development of the kingdom will always receive my wholehearted support and approval." The Ogieneni added.