Idogbo and Egba communities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have banished two men allegedly caught engaging in a same-sex relationship.
The individuals, identified as Mr. Osazuwa Osakpolor and Mr. Andrew Osaro, were apprehended at the Peace and Love Hotel in Idogbo on January 7, 2023, after a tip-off led a joint team of community vigilantes to the location.
The traditional leader of the communities, Pa Igbinigun Imariaghomwan, hosted a town hall meeting at his palace, where the decision to banish Osakpolor and Osaro was finalized.
Describing same-sex relationships as an “abomination,” Pa Imariaghomwan emphasized the communities’ commitment to upholding cultural and traditional values, which he said prohibit such relationships.
“This is an abomination in a highly cultural society such as ours,” Pa Imariaghomwan stated. “In preserving our cultural heritage and ethics, we cannot tolerate actions that are distortions of God’s original plan. Those involved in same-sex relationships, if caught, will face banishment or other severe punishments according to our traditions.”
He commended the vigilance teams of Idogbo and Egba for their swift response in curbing homosexuality, lesbianism, and bisexuality and encouraged other communities to follow suit and uphold similar practices against what he referred to as “cankerworms destroying African values, norms, and traditions.” Pa Imariaghomwan also expressed gratitude to the state and federal governments for their support in maintaining cultural integrity.
The banishment of Osakpolor and Osaro has sparked debate among residents and human rights advocates, who express concerns over community-led enforcement of morality codes and potential rights violations.
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Idogbo, Egba Communities Banish Same-Sex Partners Caught In The Act
The community leaders of Idogbo and Egba of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have banished same-sex partners who were caught in the act.
The same-sex partners, who were identified as Mr. Osazuwa Osakpolor and Mr. Andrew Osaro, were apprehended at Peace and Love Hotel in Idogbo by a joint team of vigilantes from the two communities who swung into action after a tip-off of their activities.
Osakpolor and Osaro were banished on the 7th of January, 2023, at a town hall meeting that was held at the palace of the Odionwere, Pa Igbinigun Imariaghomwan.
Pa Imariaghomwan, who was saddened by the incident, reiterated that same-sex relationship in the community remains an abomination that will not be tolerated, citing that such practices are distortions of God’s original plan and will be vehemently resisted.
He said, “This is an abomination in a highly cultural society such as ours. Therefore, in preserving our cultural heritage and ethics, which are long enmeshed in our traditional practice, the culprits who are caught in the act of same-sex relationships be banished from our communities.
In keeping with the standing order of the two communities, persons caught in the act or perceived to be engaging in such abomination will equally face capital punishment following the tradition of the community for desecrating the land”.
He further reiterated that; “In view of this, Mr. Osazuwa Osakpolor and his same-sex partner, Andrew Osaro, who were apprehended at Peace and Love Hotel at Idogbo Community by the joint team of the vigilante group of Idogbo and Egba community are banished and face to further punishment prescribed by the community.”
The Odionwere Pa. Imaraighomwan commended the vigilantes for their efforts in curbing homosexuality, lesbianism, and bisexuality and encouraged other communities to follow suit.
He also commended the State and Federal Government for the support given to the communities to get rid of what he referred to as cankerworm destroying African values, norms, and traditions.
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Edo State Communities Banish Same-Sex Partners Caught in the Act
Idogbo and Egba communities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have banished two men allegedly caught engaging in a same-sex relationship.
The individuals, identified as Mr. Osazuwa Osakpolor and Mr. Andrew Osaro, were apprehended at the Peace and Love Hotel in Idogbo on January 7, 2023, after a tip-off led a joint team of community vigilantes to the location.
The traditional leader of the communities, Pa Igbinigun Imariaghomwan, hosted a town hall meeting at his palace, where the decision to banish Osakpolor and Osaro was finalized.
Describing same-sex relationships as an “abomination,” Pa Imariaghomwan emphasized the communities’ commitment to upholding cultural and traditional values, which he said prohibit such relationships.
“This is an abomination in a highly cultural society such as ours,” Pa Imariaghomwan stated. “In preserving our cultural heritage and ethics, we cannot tolerate actions that are distortions of God’s original plan. Those involved in same-sex relationships, if caught, will face banishment or other severe punishments according to our traditions.”
He commended the vigilance teams of Idogbo and Egba for their swift response in curbing homosexuality, lesbianism, and bisexuality and encouraged other communities to follow suit and uphold similar practices against what he referred to as “cankerworms destroying African values, norms, and traditions.” Pa Imariaghomwan also expressed gratitude to the state and federal governments for their support in maintaining cultural integrity.
The banishment of Osakpolor and Osaro has sparked debate among residents and human rights advocates, who express concerns over community-led enforcement of morality codes and potential rights violations.
