Residents of Iguovbiobo in Uhunmwode Local Government Council Area of Edo State, on Friday, cried out for help to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II over the leadership crisis rocking the rural community.

They also expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of Iguovbiobo in Uhunmwode Local Government Council Area by one Mr. Bright, who has been overseeing affairs of the community.

They alleged that the leadership of the community was imposed on the people by the late Odionwere (Village Head), Pa. Jacob Osaighae.

Speaking on behalf of the people, Pa Nosa Ugowe, an elder of the community, appealed to the Benin Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II, Edo State Government, and all other relevant authorities to come to their aid to right the wrongs done in the community by the late Odionwere.

According to Nosa, the Odionwere before he died about eight months ago, and members of the council of elders, including his appointed aide, Bright, were based in Benin City from where they administered the affairs of the community.

“None of them have their personal house in the Village and only come in to sell land and take the proceeds to Benin and share amongst themselves, to the detriment of the growth and development of Iguovbiobo and her people,” Nosa said.

“Absolutely, there is nothing to show for his leadership with a pervading dearth of infrastructure. The Village is suffering from acute erosion and gully problems, no light as the only transformer has since gone faulty, and many other physical challenges.

“Yet, these people who claim to be the leaders of Iguovbiobo do not worry but are only interested in amassing wealth for themselves from the sales of land of the Village.

“Any money donated for the development of the Village to give the people better quality of life is diverted into their private pocket.”

Nosa added that the funds donated by Iguovbiobo natives in the diaspora have also been embezzled.

“Even now that the Odionwere has passed on, the leaders of the community have continued to hold on to power, not allowing the Okaighele to operate,” Ugowe said.