Ogbakha-Edo condemns Asari Dokubo's inciting remarks, reaffirms supreme court judgment on Gelegele and calls for vigilance in Edo South

A socio-political group in Edo South, Ogbakha-Edo, has affirmed its anger with the incendiary, provocative, inciting and disrespectful remarks made by former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, in a video that has since gone viral on social media. 

In the video, he called on the Ijaw people to make Edo State their next battleground to "liberate" Ijaws whom he alleged are suffering in the state.

Ordinarily, the Ogbakha-Edo would have dismissed these comments as consistent with Mr. Dokubo's well-known penchant for grandstanding, arrogance and sensationalism. However, we consider it necessary to respond because of the potential of such statements to mislead the public, distort historical facts and undermine peaceful coexistence among the peoples of Edo State.

In a statement by the Chairman, Prof. Sam Guobadia and the Secretary-General, Dr. Andrew Izekor, the Ogbakha-Edo said that "despite his attempt to create a false narrative regarding the status of Ijaw communities in Edo State generally, and the Benin Kingdom in particular, Mr. Dokubo inadvertently acknowledged a fundamental historical fact: that the Ijaws are settlers within the Benin Kingdom. 

"In his own words, he stated that there are historical records showing that Gelegele was an Ijaw settlement and further asserted that 'there is no Kalabari man that is from Benin.'"

By this admission according to Ogbakha-Edo, "he effectively conceded that the Ijaws are a distinct migrant population within the Benin Kingdom and not indigenous owners of the territory in dispute.

"More importantly, the issue of ownership of Gelegele and its environs is not a matter of conjecture, propaganda or militant rhetoric. It is a matter that was conclusively determined by the Supreme Court of Nigeria."

Going further, Ogbakha-Edo stated that "the judgment therefore settled the dispute and remains binding on all parties. No amount of historical revisionism or intimidation can overturn the authority of the nation's highest court."

Ogbakha-Edo stated that while it "remains committed to peaceful coexistence and harmonious inter-ethnic relations, we wish to make it abundantly clear that the patience, hospitality and accommodating disposition of the Benin people should not be mistaken for weakness."

The group therefore urged "all persons and groups pursuing territorial ambitions in Edo South to channel their grievances and aspirations through lawful and constitutional means rather than threats, intimidation or militant posturing. Better yet, such persons or groups should stay away from or avoid Edo State."

Ogbakha-Edo called on the Governor of Edo State, as the Chief Security Officer of the State, "to take seriously the threats issued by Asari Dokubo and to closely monitor developments in Gelegele and other Ijaw inhabited communities. 

"We also call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to caution all individuals and groups whose actions or utterances threaten peaceful coexistence and national unity. The empowerment of private security operators for the protection of critical national infrastructure must never become a vehicle for ethnic intimidation, territorial expansionism or the pursuit of unlawful land acquisition."

In conclusion, Ogbakha-Edo commended "the many Edo organisations, community leaders, youth groups and concerned citizens who have risen in defence of historical truth and constitutional order. 

"We urge all Edo people to remain vigilant, united and committed to the peaceful defence of the territorial integrity, heritage and dignity of Edo South."