Traditional Cleansing Sought as Juju Scare Hits BORBDA; Staff Flee Office

A wave of fear has gripped the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) headquarters in Obayantor, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, as staff and retirees vacate the premises over an alleged juju scare. The concerned officials have called for spiritual cleansing before they can resume work.

The unrest began after a group of Benin youths reportedly stormed the office, placing charms and occult materials in protest against the appointment of Dr. Femi Adekanmbi as the Managing Director of BORBDA. In response, affected employees staged a demonstration at the Akure office, demanding intervention from the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to facilitate traditional cleansing of the headquarters.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Ondo State representative of the BORBDA Stakeholders Forum, Mr. Tokunbo Agbetuyi, described the situation as worrisome, particularly for non-indigenous staff. He argued that the location of the headquarters in Obayantor has made it unsafe for workers from Ondo and Ekiti states. Consequently, he directed all affected staff from these states to report at the Alagbaka GRA office in Akure, with an interim arrangement for Dr. Adekanmbi and his team to operate from the same location.

National President of BORBDA retirees, Dr. Kayode Ayeni, urged the National Assembly to consider splitting BORBDA into two autonomous entities, citing increasing tensions. He condemned the actions of those who protested against Adekanmbi’s appointment, labeling them as “miscreants” acting under a purported coalition of host communities.

Dr. Ayeni emphasized that Adekanmbi remains a competent and result-driven leader, capable of revitalizing the Authority. He described the opposition to Adekanmbi’s leadership as unjustified and misinformed, arguing that his appointment aligns with principles of fairness and equity.

Expressing strong disapproval of the incident, he denounced the sealing off of the headquarters by protesters as irrational and reminiscent of primitive actions. He appealed to those behind the protest to reconsider their stance, affirming that Adekanmbi’s leadership does not undermine Edo State’s interests.