Alhaji Chief Moshood Okpo Aliu, village Head of Asumhe, Imioko, is the chairman of Ukhomunyio council of village Heads.
He had is primary school education in Etsako District Council school now Eveva primary school Okugbe Okpella between 1962-1968.
He also went to Arabic school Owo, between 1970-1975 and proceeded to the Staff Training Centure Benin City in 1985-1987.
He is a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic Auchi and holds a Masters in Public Administration in Landoke Akintola University Ogbomosho.
He worked and retired as chief Executive officer in the Edo state Local Government Service Commission in March 2016.
He is widely traveled, a philanthropist, devout Muslim and an advocate of social change and peoples rights.
In this interview, he spoke with our senior Reporter Isabemoeh James Roy.
Excerpt:
Who are the Ukhomunyio people?
The Ukhomunyio people are the descendants of Okhawegbe and a section of the Oteku Sub clan of Okpella. The other part of Oteku is Iddo.
How has it been since you left the palace of the Traditional Ruler of Okpella for over a year now?
We are still in court to determine certain issues. We have confidence in the court  to deliver justice. However, Ukhomunyio has witnessed unprecedented peace in the past one year. Most of the schisms and problems happening here were externally induced to create disunity. We  now live together peacefully as children of a common ancestor and we have no regret for leaving the palace of the Traditional Ruler of Okpella. No regret at all!
Before now, they polish us as bad people but today we are the most peaceful community in Okpella.
We are seeking an autonomous clan entity to be known as Okpella North and we are following it gradually   within the Orbit of law and by the Grace of God we shall pursue it to a logical conclusion.
 How have you been able to sustain this struggle all this while?
It is a product of unity from the entire Ukhomunyio people, both old and young. It is no joke. We resolved to maintain our collective identity and destiny and we are reaping the results.
We are an agrarian society. Our people are hardworking farmers. We are not known for laziness. We have a lot of mineral resources too. We manage our resources such that we can maintain our community. We pay our village Heads monthly allowances and we try as much as to reduce poverty because we can not shift all our problems on the government.
What is the relationship between your council and the people of Ukhomunyio?
We are carrying every body along. We settle issues with fairness. We  realized that we have a common  enemy who was causing problems and sowing discords among our component  villages.
We have addressed these issues and closed the unwarranted gaps, in the spirit of tolerance and forgiveness.
 Now that you are seeking autonomy, what is your relationship with other parts of Okpella people?
It must be made clear here that we have no problem with other parts of Okpella, our disagreement is with the situation in which the entire resources of Okpella is going into one man’s pocket. A lot of resources and revenue have accrued to Okpella clan in the past 40 years yet there is no common wealth, no bank account nothing to show for it. We opted out of this oppressive arrangement not just because we own the resources from where Okpella secure its revenue but because we were not benefiting at all. The traditional ruler is in charge of employments and contracts in all companying operating in Okpella.  Our brothers in other parts of Okpella are also suffering.   We are fighting to ensure that every one in Okpella enjoy our God given resources.
How have you managed the Ogiriga crisis?
We are brothers and ogiriga is part of Ukhomunyio. The process of reconciliation is at an advanced stage and very soon, we will all smile. Meanwhile there is peace in Ukhomunyio, including Ogiriga.
 What is happening to the mineral deposit in your community?
We have investors notably Bua cement our “baby” Several other corporate bodies and individuals, including Dangote are also welcomed. We have enough marble to accommodate several investors. We have large deposits of fespar, quartz, kaoline etc
What are you doing about the cultural revival of Ukhomunyio?
A culture is a way of life. We have a culture of integrity, diligence and respect for constituted authorities. We have various festivals, processions and ceremonies to reflect the above. For instance, the 2016 Olimi festival was adjudged the most peaceful in the past, 50 years. We have a committee in place to revive our cultural heritage.
Ukhomunyio project is working.
How do you assess the Oshiomhole led administration in Edo State?
He has done well because he constructed our road in Ukhomunyio, rebuilt  our schools and gave us water. He should count on our support all the time.
 What is your message to the people?
They should remain focused and United in their unwavering quest for an autonomous clan entity. 2016 is an electioneering year in Edo State and our youths should shun electoral vices such as thurgery. They should vote  wisely and for development rather than individual gains. They sh