Man declared wanted as kingship tussle tears Edo community apart

The kingship tussle rocking Ewossa community, in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State has taken another dimension.

This is following the alleged murder of a palace guard identified as Philip Okede.

The Enogie seat in Ewossa community became vacant owing to the demise of Alfred Ogun after 30 years on the throne.

Two of the palace princes, Kelvin Ogun and Frank Ogun have been laying claims to the kinship position.

However, while the Council of Kingmakers are of the view that Frank is the rightful successor to the throne, some youths in the community are insisting on installing his brother Kelvin as the new monarch.

However, things got on a worse note as the palace guard was allegedly killed while trying to separate a fight between the two brothers.

A competent source told our correspondent that, “the two Princes of the palace – Frank and Kelvin were engaged in a heated argument.

“It got to a point that Frank reached for a bottle and wanted to smash the head of his brother, Kelvin .

“Unfortunately, the bottle landed on the head of the 43-year-old palace guard; before he could be rushed to the hospital, he gave up the ghost having lost so much blood.”

Tension has now enveloped the entire community, with the police declaring Frank wanted.

The Police, it was gathered, obtained a warrant of arrest from an Igueben Magistrate Court on 3rd of May, 2018 to arrest and detain Frank for alleged manslaughter and breach of public peace which is punishable under sections 325 and 249 of the Criminal Code Act of Nigeria.

The warrant was obtained after a criminal complaint was filed against him.

A copy of the charge sighted by our reporter read: “That you, Ogun Frank, Male, and a native of Ewossa, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State (now at large) on or about 2nd April, 2018 at Ewossa village within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence by breaking a bottle on the head of one Mr. Philip Okede (now deceased) over a minor argument which resulted in his untimely death.”