Edo Ijaw kingdoms demand development centres and recognition of rulers

Leaders of five Ijaw kingdoms in Edo State have demanded the creation of three Local Government Development Centres and official recognition for their traditional rulers, while accusing the state government of marginalising their communities. The demand was made at a press conference in Gelegele, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, on Friday. The kingdoms are Egbema, Olodiama, Okomu, Gbaran and Furupagha.

The President of Ijaw in Edo State, Chief Robinson Ogunkoruwei, said the Ijaw population was spread across more than 500 communities in Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East and Ikpoba-Okha local government areas. He alleged that the communities had been divided in a way that weakened their collective political voice. The leaders also called for the immediate recognition of the five traditional rulers and the presentation of their staffs of office.

Alternatively, they asked that Ijaw communities in Edo be allowed to join communities in Delta and Ondo states for greater integration and development. They based their demands partly on a Constituent Assembly report from 1988-1989, which they said recommended a Toru-Ibe local government area for Ijaw communities. They also cited constitutional provisions concerning federal character and self-determination.

The leaders referred to historical institutions and earlier disputes to support their claim that the Ijaw were indigenous to the territories. They warned that failure to address their concerns could increase inter-ethnic tension. Edo Commissioner for Information and Strategy Kassim Afegbua rejected the suggestion that the government was pursuing division.

He said Gelegele and other Ijaw communities were part of Edo State, adding that the government was working with residents and promoting unity. He urged the leaders to remain calm and engage the government constructively.