By Okhide Emya David.
Enogie (Duke) of Ologbo Dukedom, His Royal Highness, Owen Jackson Imasogie Akenzua has dismissed the Petition by some leaders of Itsekiris and Ijaws communities, challenging the ownership of Ologbo dukedom.
Enogie Akenzua described the authors as faceless People, insisting that there exists cordial relationship amongst all groups and Settlers in his Dukedom.
In the petition on Tuesday, which tends to threaten the relative peace in Ologbo Dukedom, ward 10, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo South Senatorial District, Nigeria, the petitioners called on the State and Federal Governments to restrain the Enogie from further imposing New Administrative Executives on their communities.
The communities include Ikara, Kolokolo, Ajatiton, Ajamogha and Abiala 1 and 2, as well as Ologbo itself, claiming the communities purely belong to them.
Those who signed the petition sent to both Edo State and Federal Governments are, Shuwa Oyemami, Benson Erewa, (Ologbo Community), Tosan Nosa Ailodion, Moses Towughailie (Ikara), Abel Iyinbor, Churchum Tonurara Moregho, ( Kolokolo) Ajatiton Isaac, and Ukuyon Michael (Ajoki).
Others are Ireokane Samuel, Eyonuoma Oloma (Ajatiton) Bawo Otikpere, Andrew Otikpere ( Ajamogha) Berlin Tifmo and Benson Joe (Abiala 2).
They said Mbanefo boundary Committee’s mistake by using Ologbo river as landmark for the boundary between Edo and Delta States does not give the Benin Duke the ownership of Ologbo and riverine communities of Ikpoba- Okha Local Government Area.
Amongst the resolutions in the petition were that the Itsekiris and Ijaws as a People have their own unique identity and will not be subsumed or assimilated into another tribe in the modern Nigerian state and that the Enogie of Ologbo and his sponsors should be stopped from using security agencies and judiciary to harass and intimidate them.
The resolution also includes that the Enogie be reminded that the role of Traditional Institution is more of advisory and preservation of the Customs, Traditions, and Taboos of the people especially those that are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.
They added that he has no right under any guise to appoint people to manage the affairs of any Itsekiri or Ijaw community as community governance in the area is by family representation under the supervision and approval of Olare-Aja.
The resolution asked that all Letters issued from the Palace of the Enogie to install new Executives in the various Itsekiri communities should be retracted with immediate effect recalling that the existence of the communities predates the establishment of the Dukedom as they have lived there for over 400 years.
The Enogie of Ologbo Dukedom, His Royal Highness, Owen Jackson Imasogie Akenzua dismissed claims by the section of the Itsekiris and Ijaws in his dukedom, whom he called Settlers as frivolous, baseless and untrue.
He explained that the Palace decided to institute Executives in the communities owing to difficulties in promptly accessing the areas for the day to day administration of their affairs and feed backs, which according to him, all stakeholders agreed was the best for rapid development and peaceful environment.
The Enogie who spoke through the Secretary to Ologbo Traditional Council, and General Secretary to Ologbo Dukedom, Friday Osazuwa said the Protesting faceless People could not have lived in Ologbo for 400 years, noting that the Ologbo River remains the natural boundary between Edo and Delta on the Ologbo axis of the State.
Enogie Akenzua said that all Lands in Edo South Senatorial District, including Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, belong to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Ukuakpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II, the Ogidigan, and that the Enogie was a direct representative of his Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin at the various Dukedoms, adding that Ologbo cannot be an exemption.
On the accusation of employing Security Agencies and Judiciary to intimidate them, he said that was supposed to be a commendation since he was not accused of taking laws into his hands.
The Enogie said he decided to describe them as faceless because all known Itsekiri and Ijaw Leaders are cooperating with him to develop Ologbo Dukedom.
As at the time of filling this report, the Palace of the Enogie was besieged by the various Community leaders obviously to brainstorm on the way forward.
