A prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, has cautioned Rivers State traditional ruler Alhaji Asari Dokubo against making comments that could strain relations between the Ijaw people and their Benin neighbours in Edo State.
Speaking with journalists in Benin City on Tuesday, Inegbeniki described Dokubo’s recent remarks as unnecessary, ill-advised, and capable of undermining the long-standing peaceful relationship between the two ethnic groups.
The Egbedi of Ozoro Land urged Dokubo to use his position as a traditional leader to promote peace, unity, and dialogue rather than make statements that could encourage division.
According to him, the Ijaw and Benin communities in Edo State have coexisted peacefully for years, maintaining a relationship founded on mutual respect and cooperation.
“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,” he said.
Inegbeniki, who was recently inducted into the Pan Niger Delta Forum, stressed that traditional rulers and community leaders must deploy their influence to foster peace and stability across the Niger Delta region.
The politician, businessman, and Board of Trustees member of HOSTCOM warned that inflammatory comments could provoke resentment and create avoidable tension between Ijaw and Benin communities in Edo State.
“The viral video by HRM Asari Dokubo, where he suggested that Edo State is next, is spreading rapidly and has the potential to pitch the Ijaws against their Benin brothers in Edo State. At this time, we should be preaching peace, love, and unity for the benefit of the Niger Delta region.”
Inegbeniki further noted that the Benin people, under the leadership of their traditional institution and the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, have maintained a peaceful relationship with the Ijaws.
He added that the two groups have intermarried and worked together, and that Ijaws have continued to participate actively in Edo State’s political and social development.
“Only recently, an Ijaw woman in Edo State, Mrs Asemota, almost emerged as the senatorial candidate to contest the 2027 general election for Edo South Senatorial District.”
He appealed for any disagreement or misunderstanding to be handled through appropriate channels, emphasising 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,” he added.
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