A high-stakes power play in the Niger Delta is unfolding, with a prominent Edo State leader, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, cautioning Rivers State traditional ruler, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, against inciting tension between the Ijaw people and their Benin neighbours.
Chief Inegbeniki, who recently became a member of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), made this call on Tuesday in Benin City, Edo State, while addressing journalists. According to him, Dokubo's recent remarks could fuel division and threaten the peaceful relationship that has existed between the Ijaws and Benin people in Edo State for years.
The Egbedi of Ozoro Land, Inegbeniki, stated that traditional rulers and community leaders have a responsibility to use their influence to promote peace and stability across the region. He added that inflammatory statements could provoke resentment and create unnecessary tension between the Ijaw and Benin communities in Edo State.
Inegbeniki further noted that the viral video by Dokubo, where he suggested that Edo State is next, has the potential to pitch the Ijaws against their Benin brothers in Edo State. He appealed for any disagreement or misunderstanding to be handled through appropriate channels, emphasizing that the people of the region have always had traditional and peaceful ways of resolving issues.
Dokubo's comments have sparked heated debates, with some calling for calm, while others have accused him of inciting violence. The situation is being closely watched by Niger Delta stakeholders, who are eager to see a peaceful resolution.
Inegbeniki also praised the Benin people, under the leadership of their traditional institution and the Oba of Benin, for maintaining a peaceful relationship with the Ijaws. He noted that the two groups have intermarried, worked together, and that Ijaws have continued to participate actively in Edo State's political and social development.
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'There has been a harmonious relationship and peaceful coexistence between the Ijaws in Edo State and their Benin neighbours, and this relationship must be sustained,' Inegbeniki said.
Inegbeniki, who was recently inducted a member of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), stressed that traditional rulers and community leaders have a responsibility to use their influence to encourage peace and stability across the region. The Edo Central-born politician, businessman and a BOT member of HOSTCOM warned that inflammatory statements could provoke resentment and create unnecessary tension between the Ijaw and Benin communities in Edo State.
The Benin people, under the leadership of their traditional institution and the Oba of Benin, have maintained a peaceful relationship with the Ijaws for years. Inegbeniki praised this relationship, saying that the two groups have intermarried, worked together, and that Ijaws have continued to participate actively in Edo State's political and social development.
The recent election of an Ijaw woman, Mrs. Asemota, as the senatorial candidate to contest the 2027 general election for Edo South Senatorial District is a testament to the peaceful relationship between the Ijaws and Benin people in Edo State. Inegbeniki appealed for any disagreement or misunderstanding to be handled through appropriate channels, emphasizing that the people of the region have always had traditional and peaceful ways of resolving issues.
If there is any misunderstanding, our Ijaw brothers know the proper channels to resolve such matters amicably. We have always resolved issues through dialogue and mutual understanding, Inegbeniki added.