Anti Ijaw Protest Currently Going On In Benin

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.