Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin has dashed the hope of secessionist agitators behind the proposed creation through Edo State land borders, notifying authorities concern, including the federal government that no part of ‘Edo land’ will be taken away.
He made the assertion while responding to concerns by members of Edo State Boundary Committee led by the State deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa during their courtesy visit to Oba Palace in Benin City where the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rowland Otaru, SAN, cited a plethora of authorities, affirming the Benin monarchy as one of the most coveted, and outstanding in the world.
The first Class traditional ruler wondered why the agitation for self-determination became prominent after suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes), including those on the lower rung of Benin traditional Council’ ladder, staged rebellion against Benin monarchy.
Oba Ewuare II, pledged his support to the Boundary Committee which he stated is made up eminent personalities across the three Senatorial District of the State, offered his prayer.
He said, “you have distinguished and committed in this Committee. No doubt that you are going to do everything well for the people of Edo State”.
“By the grace of God, we have prayed for you. May God Almighty and our ancestors grant our prayers. Go ahead and do the work very well. However, I want to say that this Committee should not allow an inch of Edo State to be taken away for one reason or the other. I do not think that should happen”, Oba Ewuare stated.
Addressing the Benin throne earlier, the Chairman of Edo State Boundary Committee and State deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, solicited blessing of the Oba of Benin in order to achieve the dual mandates of the Committee, which was set up by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Idahosa, drew the attention of Oba Ewuare to a lot injustices that are being perpetrated by defaulting oil majors operating in Edo State particularly in area of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and denying Edo people their rightful benefits, contrary to the provisions of the laws.
“Every oil well and Edo resources that have been unlawfully ceded will be returned to the State under the guidance of the Oba, according to the deputy Governor who promised on behalf of the Boundary Committee to work closely with the Benin royal Palace.
He assured that the 187 intra and inter conflicts before the Edo State Boundary Committee are already receiving attention of the Committee, noting that 90 per cent of the cases were inherited from past administrations.
“90 per cent of the 187 cases of Boundary disputes were inherited by Governor Monday Okpebholo led government. You are aware that there was turbulence between the then deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and former Governor Godwin Obaseki. I believe that is the reason why it accumulated”, he said.
The palace is one of the instrument that has hindered the development of Edo state. It is out of selfish interest to disrupt the act of new state creation. creating new state out of Edo will bring more development to the people. Shame on Edo people.
New state creation is one way of extending development. I think if more state is caved out of Edo, it will benefit the people. It’s indeed a selfish interest without considering the overall benefit of the people.
I think the parlance is wrong if trying to stop state advancement in Edo. You can’t be the Oba of all. If Edo is split, you still remain Oba of your kindred regardless of geographical boundary .
Oba gha tope yeeee. When Oba talk everyone silent.