Aiguobasinmwin Movement Warns Asari Dokubo Against ‘Attacks’ on Edo, Benin Throne

The President of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, has warned former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, to steer clear of Edo State and desist from what he described as provocative comments about the Edo people, their heritage and the revered Benin throne.

Iyamu, who spoke at a press conference in Benin City, said the peaceful disposition of the Edo people should not be mistaken for weakness or cowardice.

He said the briefing was prompted by what he described as persistent attacks and derogatory remarks by Dokubo concerning the Edo Nation and the Benin monarchy.

According to him, the Edo people had deliberately maintained decorum despite what he described as repeated public statements capable of provoking them.

“We have imbibed the culture of decorum in the face of the incessant rants of one Asari Dokubo, who parades himself as a traditional ruler, but whose ways, manners and public outbursts are far demeaning of that exalted position,” he said.

Iyamu said the movement was particularly concerned about what he described as Dokubo’s continued interest in Edo affairs, questioning why the former militant leader appeared to be “obsessed” with the Edo Nation.

He also rejected claims attributed to Dokubo concerning ownership of land in Edo, describing such assertions as unacceptable to the Edo people.

The movement’s president further condemned what he described as derogatory remarks allegedly directed at the Oba of Benin, stressing that the Benin monarch occupies a revered position in the history and culture of the Edo people.

He said the movement would not allow the names and legacies of respected Edo sons and institutions to be disparaged without a response.

Iyamu stressed that the restraint demonstrated by the Edo people should not be interpreted as cowardice, adding that the people remained committed to peace, law and order.

“That we have been calm does not make us cowards. While we remain law-abiding citizens, we urge him to steer clear of the Edo Nation,” he said.

On the controversy surrounding the activities of indigenous oil company, PINL, Iyamu said the movement was not acting as the company’s spokesperson, but noted that its corporate social responsibility initiatives were matters of public record.

“While we are not holding brief for PINL, we are aware of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is a verifiable fact. We see and read about their outreach to indigent communities in national dailies and on television stations,” he said.

He also cited what he described as increased production and revenue-related developments associated with the company, arguing that claims against PINL should be subjected to verifiable facts rather than speculation.

Iyamu further defended the reputation of Osahon Okunbo, whom he identified as the son of the late Captain Hosa Okunbo, saying the movement would resist any attempt to disparage the family’s name.

He also questioned a claim attributed to Dokubo concerning the alleged annual earnings of PINL, arguing that the figure should be properly scrutinised against Nigeria’s overall revenue profile.

The movement president maintained that the Edo people remained committed to peaceful coexistence and respect for constituted authorities but would not remain silent in the face of what he described as continued provocation.

He urged Dokubo to respect the people, heritage and traditional institution of Edo State and refrain from further comments capable of creating tension.

Iyamu concluded by reiterating the movement’s commitment to protecting Edo’s cultural heritage and preserving the dignity of the Benin traditional institution.

“Asari Dokubo, stay clear of Edo Nation. Oba Gha To Kpere, Ise!,” he concluded.