There was palpable tension in Ugba, the headquarters of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Friday after the Executive Chairman of the council, Mr Clement Kav, disrupted plans to confer a chieftaincy title on a governorship aspirant, Mr Sebastian Hon, SAN.
The honour, arranged by the Ugondu Traditional Council, was to be bestowed on Hon in recognition of his advocacy for social justice, as part of activities marking the annual Ugba Day celebration.
Trouble reportedly started shortly after Hon arrived in the community with his supporters and paid a courtesy visit to the residence of the Mue Ter Ichongo, Chief Terngu Iorhuna. Witnesses said the atmosphere, initially celebratory, turned tense when the council chairman stormed the palace alongside a former Nigerian ambassador to Russia and 2011 governorship candidate, Prof Steve Ugba.
An eyewitness told The PUNCH that Mr Kav openly objected to the ceremony, accusing the organisers of disrespecting the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.
“I will never allow anyone to disrespect Alia. We don’t want these guests in Logo,” the chairman was quoted as saying before leaving the scene in a convoy of vehicles reportedly branded with the governor’s image.
Following the confrontation, Hon quietly withdrew from the palace and relocated to the residence of a former lawmaker, Mr Iorkohol Ijir, where he was warmly received by supporters.
However, the situation escalated when the council chairman returned with a team of police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer, ordering that Hon leave Ugba immediately. The move further heightened anxiety among residents, prompting appeals for calm from community leaders.
Addressing a large crowd before departing the town, Hon denied any intention to foment unrest, insisting that his visit was purely in response to the invitation extended by the traditional council.
“I did not come here to cause trouble in Ugba or anywhere in Benue State,” he said. “I thank the traditional council and the people of Logo for finding me worthy of this honour. I believe the community has welcomed me.”
He added that he had yet to formally declare his intention to contest the governorship, expressing concern over what he described as unnecessary hostility.
“I have not even declared for the race, yet some people are already uneasy. When I finally decide to run, what will they do?” he asked.
Hon said he chose to leave to prevent a breakdown of law and order, stressing that no blood should be spilled on his account. He appealed for divine intervention for those opposing him and suggested that the title could be formally presented to him at a later date.
