Just two days after the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, removed Kelvin Ovbokhan Igbinovia, the spiritual leader of Okhoromi community, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor, warned the community he might take legal steps because they accused him of being involved in a bad plan.

On May 15, 2025, it was reported that the Benin king removed the community priest for stealing land, asking for money unfairly, and destroying private buildings without permission.

A day before the priest was removed, on May 14, 2025, members of the Okhoromi community protested at the Oba’s palace. They claimed Frank Irabor helped the priest grab land and tear down property.

During the protest, people held signs with messages like “Frank Irabor stop supporting the evil Act.” They also said that Frank Irabor was given a piece of land measuring 100 by 50 feet as a reward for helping.

Frank Irabor responded by saying these claims were false and had no proof. He said the accusations were meant to damage his good name unfairly.

He gave the community, especially the protest leader, seven days to take back the accusations or face a court case.

Irabor said the claims were made to hurt his reputation and family. He challenged anyone to show proof of these accusations within seven days.

He explained clearly that the story about him helping the priest destroy property and getting a land gift was not true.

Irabor said the protest banners with his name were a direct attack on him, and the protest leader publicly claimed he was rewarded with land. He called this a deliberate lie meant to damage him.

He warned that if the claims were not retracted in seven days, he would take legal action.

As a public official, Irabor said he is dedicated to his work under the Oba of Benin and would never do anything that breaks the law or harms his duties.

He also said he supports justice and protecting the rights of everyone, including the Okhoromi community.

The BTC secretary strongly denied helping the priest break any laws or destroy property.

He also denied ever receiving land or any reward for helping the priest.

Finally, he called on authorities to investigate the false claims and punish those spreading wrong information.