Police arrest Benin Chief priest

Okhuaihe shrine, Osarodion Usuanlele, the Ohen N’ Ukoni Neyedo,Chief Priest, has been aprehended and detained at the Edo Police headquarters in Benin City, Edo State.

The arrest of the priest’s detain, has broken the age-long tradition practice which says the Ohen N’ UKoni does not enter Benin.

To set the chief priest free, three dogs were said to have been slaughtered as sacrifices near the police headquarters before the chief priest was released.

Additionally, items list were said to issued to the police for cleansing sacrifice the land.

The items ar3 14 native cows, tortoise, sheep, goats, cocks, among others.

Omokoshaban.com gathered that the aged long traditional practice begin in the 15th century by Oba Ewuare the great.

“The chief priest’s shrine is located at Evbiekoi, in Uhunwode Local Government Area, and as part of coronation rites, he would have a symbolic wrestle with the Crown Prince. Both of them would go opposite ways, never to see each other again, once the Crown Prince becomes the Oba”.

Problems begin last week when operatives of the anti-cultism unit invaded Evbiekoi community following on a petition by John Elvis (aka Atekha), an ex-official of the banned Community Development Association (CDA).

Narrating the reporters on the incident, Secretary of Evbiekoi community, Chief Paul Ajayi said: “The policemen shot sporadically and insisted on taking Chief Priest Usunalele to Benin City, despite pleas that the man does not enter Benin or he would die.

“A strange and mysterious downpour, accompanied by violent wind, thunder and lightning, were part of the signs of desecration.

“The Oba got the signs of desecration and presence of Ohen N’ UKoni, and sent emissaries to the Police Commissioner, Danmallam Abubakar, after confirming that the Chief Priest was in Benin.”

The State Police Commissioner, Dan has ordered the detention of the policemen involved in the arrest of Ohen N’ Ukoni, because to was gather that their was rising tensions in Benin as some various youth groups have prepared to cause mayhem over the alleged desecration of the Benin culture.

The nation said, “Police spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, declined speaking on the matter, stating that he was waiting for the Commissioner of Police to address a news conference before making comments”.