…As CP Convenes Peace Meeting
By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
The Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom Chief Johnson Atselege JP has said that the Bini and Itsekiri ethnic groups in Ologbo would continue to coexist peacefully if the Enogie of Ologbo HRH Jason Owen Akenzua respects the various ancestral agreements between the two parties.
Chief Atselege also noted that the ongoing extortion of developers contrary to Oba Palace pronouncement should be stopped forthwith in the interest of peace and socio-economic development of Ologbo Community.
Recall that deadly crisis engulfed Ologbo Community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo State, recently. The violence reportedly claimed one life, inflicted varying degrees of injuries on some residents while several buildings and household property were destroyed.
An estate belonging to Chief Johnson Atselege, residential buildings of Hon. Smart Itor, Eric Otuma, Donald and Joyce Esogie as well as Beatrice Ogbemi were among property destroyed in the unrest.
Commenting on the crisis, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State CP Lawan Jimeta Tanko said the police command had begun full-scale investigation. He said both parties had been advised to remain calm as peace meeting of all relevant stakeholders would be held on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Our Crime Reporter’s visit to Ologbo Community along Sepele road last weekend revealed apprehension-dominated atmosphere as some youth hastened away from our reporter who wanted to chat with them.
A visit to the palace of the Enogie of Ologbo showed a locked gate manned by a shirtless gateman who said that the Enogie was away. An armed policeman appeared from opposite the palace gate to inquire from the reporter, his mission.
Speaking in his palace in Ologbo, the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom Chief Johnson Atselege said the affinities and loyalty of the Itsekiri people to the Oba Palace had never been in dispute.
He condemned the recent crisis in the community which he said was as a result of disrespect and non-compliance with ancestral agreements. The Itsekiri traditional leader stated this when he gave possible terms of settlement ahead of the peace meeting of relevant stakeholders including the state commissioner of police CP Lawan Jimeta, scheduled to hold in Ologbo Community.
Amongst the agreements Chief Johnson Atselege expects to be renewed and maintained is the one third accord reached with Oba Erediawu of blessed memory, in 1978.
“The one third agreement of 1978 endorsed by Oba Erediawu of blessed memory should remain.
“For us to have rapid socio-economic development in Ologbo everything about Community Development Association, CDA, as proscribed by Oba, must stop.
“The Enogie should consult properly before taking decisions.
“The issue of Ologbo Centre by the present Enogie must be removed. There is nothing like Ologbo Centre.
“The Enogie is my friend, our relationship is very cordial and it will remain so”. Chief Johnson Atselege maintained.
The number three in command in Warri Kingdom however noted that he expects to see Bini and Itsekiri leaders of thought sign peace accord during the stakeholders meeting on Thursday.
