The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone has slammed Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for abolishing the Edo South Traditional Council law, thereby restoring full statutory powers to the Oba of Benin.
Daily Report Nigeria recalls that the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki had withdrawn the Oba of Benin’s statutory rights following the creation of parallel Edo SouthTraditional Councils across the seven Local Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial District of the State.
The law would have allowed other ethnic nationalities in the state to have traditional stools fully recognized by the Edo State Government.
Reacting to the development, the IYC Western Zone described Okpebholo’s actions as capable of raising tension between the Benin tribe and other ethnic nationalities in the state.
In a statement signed by Comrade Nicholas Igarama – Chairman, Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq – Secretary and Tare Magbei – Information Officer, the group particularly urged Okpebholo to give respect to other royal institutions Edo.
It subsequently warned the governor that his administration was too young to set Edo State on the part of rancour, reminding him of the sacrifices Ijaws made towards his emergence at the September 21 gubernatorial poll.
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The statement reads;
“Following the pronouncement made by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, abolishing the Edo South Traditional Councils to reinstate statutory authority to the Oba of Benin, the Ijaw Youth Council Western Zone (Delta, Edo and Ondo) hereby express concern on the rationale behind the move.
“It is a known fact that Edo State is a multi-ethnic state with various traditional institutions well established according to the customs of these differing nationalities.
“It was on that premise the former administration led by Godwin Obaseki created the Councils under view in order to uphold sanctity and respect for customs.
“It leaves the IYC with great worry that Okpebholo is well on the way to ignite rancour, instability, and disrespect towards the cultures and traditions of the people of Edo South.
“Wth due respect to the throne, we remind Okpebholo that Ijaws are independent and self-sufficient people who are not under the rulership of the Oba of Benin.
“As peace loving and progress-driven citizens, we call on Governor Okpebholo to give regard and respect to royal stools, particularly those of Ijaw territories.
“We need not remind Okpebholo that Ijaws were strategically instrumental towards his emergence, and as such, it is a typical case of turning around to stab us in the back with his recent action.
“The IYC, therefore, calls on the Governor Okpebholo to take heed and look into recognizing and elevating Ijaw royal stools in Edo State.”
Signed
Comrade Nicholas Igarama
Chairman, IYC Western Zone
Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq
Secretary, IYC Western Zone
Comrade Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone
