Tragic death in Edo linked to Ogboni cult initiation dispute

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the death of Elvis Iyamo, 37, a cyclist, following a violent attack allegedly carried out by members of the Ogboni cult group in Upper Sakponba area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Benin City, last Monday.

The deadly assault said to be connected to a dispute over the deceased refusal to complete his initiation into the group, occurred at 8, Second Omere Street, Nomayo area, Off Sakponba road in the state capital.

The victim’s wife, Mrs. Blessing Iyamo, recounting how the ordeal began last December said her husband Mr. Elvis was invited by a friend to a party hosted by the Ogboni cult leader at a hotel in Benin City.

She narrated that after attending the party, Elvis was persuaded by his friends to join the fold, promising him power and influence in the community as he initially agreed and began the initiation rites.

However, she said her husband Mr. Elvis soon became uncomfortable when the group allegedly instructed him to make human sacrifices as part of the second stage of the initiation.

He was said to have confided in his wife Blessing who became horrified and pleaded with him to sever his ties with the group to protect their family.

Despite their efforts to distance themselves, the Ogboni cult members began threatening the family, claiming that since Mr. Elvis had already started the initiation he was bound to complete it, or face severe consequences.

Sensing danger, Mr. Elvis and his wife were said to have on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 reported these threats to the police at Ugbekun Station in charge of the neighbourhood, but no one was invited for questioning or arrest made.

In an attempt to escape the mounting pressure, Mr. Elvis was said to have thereafter relocated his family to neighbouring Kogi State thinking they would be safe there, unfortunately, it took the group only few weeks to locate them as they continued their threats and harassment.

It was gathered that after four months, Mr. Elvis and his family were said to have been forced to return to Edo State where they believed they would be safer.

On Monday, June 19, 2023, a group of eight Ogboni members allegedly invaded and attacked Mr. Elvis at home accusing him of breaching their initiation agreement as the consequence is death.

It was further scooped that during the invasion, Mr. Elvis two children were in a neighbour’s house while his wife, Blessing hid in a room from where she listened in horror as her husband Mr. Elvis pleaded for mercy as the attackers beat him to death and left.

Efforts by our reporter to obtain comments from prominent members of Ogboni Society in Edo and neighbouring states on the incident were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, available records revealed that the Ogboni Secret Society is known for its tradition of silence in the face of such public accusations.

Commenting, the Assistant police spokesman in Edo ASP Ejiroro Ahwara condemned the attack describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.

While expressing the police deep condolences to Mr. Elvis family, friends and community, ASP Ahwara advised members of the public to be wary of the group they associate calling on the public to volunteer actionable information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.