THE
simmering crisis between the Edos and the Ijaw of Edo State over the
alleged coronation of the Pere of Olodiama clan, one Godwin Ogunyeibo,
took another dimension, today, as Enogie (Dukes) and prominent citizens
from over 42 communities across Ovia North East and Ovia South West
local government areas in Edo South senatorial zone of the state took to
the streets in Benin today, to protest what they called the annexation
of Benin communities by the Ijaw.
The protesters, who were armed
with several placards with the inscriptions such as “Egbema is Delta
State. Not Edo”, “Ijaw are tenants in Edoland”, “Ijaws stop abusing
Benin hospitality” “Ijaw are settlers in Iko (Ikoro), Gelegele belongs
to Oba of Benin,” among others, also took their protest to the Edo State
House of Assembly and the Government House, Benin. The protesters, led
by Enogie of Iguogie HRH Festus Osagiede and High Priest Edokpagbe, the
Ohen-Osa of Ughoton, alleged that the Ijaw settlers have severally
attacked their people including women and children over the refusal of
the Bini to allow the installation of Pere of Olodiama Kingdom at
Gelegele in Ovia North East council area of the state.
Responding,
the Speaker Edo house of Rep warned the Pere of Olodiama clan not to
toy with Benin empire, insisting that the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II
was perhaps one of the strongest monarchs in the world who deserves to
be respected. He charged the protesters including the youths to remain
law abiding and promised that the Parliament would look through the
relevant laws with a view to rendering useful advice.
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