The attention of the Odionwere, Pa Robinson Airhenmwinkiekie Amadasun, and the elders of Ikpako Community have been drawn to a publication in The Nigerian Observer of Thursday, 1 January 2026 (page 6), titled “Oba Palace Upholds Ailegboze as Ikpako Odionwere, Warns Dissenters.”

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of the general public, we wish to clearly state that the report is incorrect and misleading.

At no time did His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, nor any palace chief, make any pronouncement affirming Mr. James Aiworioba Ailegboze as the Odionwere of Ikpako Community.

It is correct that representatives of Ikpako Community were at the Oba’s Palace on 25 November 2025, when the matter was mentioned before Chief Osaro Idah, Chairman of the Committee on Community Matters. Upon being informed that there was an existing court judgment on the issue, Chief Idah clearly stated that the committee could not entertain or preside over the matter due to the subsisting court decision.

We therefore categorically reaffirm that neither the Oba of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, nor any other palace chief affirmed or endorsed Mr. Ailegboze as the Odionwere of Ikpako Community, contrary to what was reported.

In the absence of any official palace statement or written directive from His Royal Majesty to that effect, the claim remains unfounded. For clarity and transparency, any such affirmation—if it exists—should be formally issued by the Palace and made public.

Finally, we appeal that all parties refrain from dragging the revered Palace of the Oba of Benin into ongoing disputes, and to avoid actions or statements that may misrepresent palace proceedings or undermine the sanctity of the Benin traditional institution.

This clarification is issued to properly inform the public and prevent further misunderstanding.