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.