South-South Coalition of the Ijaw Leadership Group ex-agitators has condemned the actions and publication by some disgruntled groups of Ijaw Coalition which alleged that His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin forcefully collected some parcel of land in Gelegele, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The leader of the South-South Coalition of the Ijaw Leadership Group ex-agitators, General Pere Ejume in a press conference on Friday June 21, 2019 in Benin City dissociated themselves and their group from such an affront of the Ijaw youths, against the revered Oba of Benin.
General Pere pointed out that the allegations against the Oba of Benin are untrue and lacks substance, adding that the Oba of Benin is a father to everybody in Edo State and has the Supreme most powers and authority to seek development in any community in Benin Kingdom.
Also speaking at the press briefing, the Vice-Chairman of the South-South Coalition of Ijaw Leadership Group ex-agitators, Engr. Charles Geoffrey said the accusations by the group against the Oba of Benin is quite embarrassing, unpleasant and condemnable, and warned those behind it to stop raising false allegations that will cause disaffection in the peaceful riverine communities in Edo State.
On his part, Mr. Richard Ajakaye Ojukwu appealed to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin to forgive those behind the offensive publications and pledged their loyalty to Oba Ewuare II.
Mr. Ajakaye explained that the Oba of Benin owes the land and the Ijaws cannot disrespect the owner of the land which they reside. After the Press briefing, the group were in the Palace of the Oba of Benin where they personally tendered unreserved apology to His Royal Majesty.
They appealed to Omo N’Oba to regard them as his children and treat them as such, adding that never shall the Ijaws be ungrateful to the Benin Monarch for accommodating them over the years.
Receiving the Ijaw group on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin thanked them for their solidarity, pointing out that the Omo N’Oba is unchallengeable and whoever does, is at his or her own risk.
Chief Obamwonyi enjoined them to continue to toll the path of peace because the Oba of Benin being father to all is ready to accommodate everyone irrespective of tribe or religion.
The Esere of Benin told the Ijaw youths that the development being envisaged for Gelegele and its environs is for their benefit, and urged them to join forces with the Oba of Benin and Edo State Government to bring progress and development to the area.
The Palace Chief admonished them not to allow themselves to be use by external forces within and outside the Ijaw group to truncate the peace prevailing in Benin Kingdom.
