The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • ‘Tantita not guilty of rights abuses’

    ‘Tantita not guilty of rights abuses’

    The Northern Youths Progressive Network has defended Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited against allegations of human rights abuses.

    The group said the “unfounded” allegations were intended to undermine the reputation of the security organisation that is actively combating pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

    The Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development had accused the security organisation of human rights abuses.

    In a statement on Sunday, Convener of the Northern Youths Progressive Network, Comrade Bala Mohammed highlighted Tantita’s significant contributions since 2022.

    He noted that the organisation has boosted revenue generation and created over 47,000 jobs in the Niger Delta.

    Mohammed said that Tantita has received acclaim from stakeholders in the oil sector for its effective operations and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

    He urged the public to recognise the positive impact of Tantita’s work, which focuses on apprehending offenders and cooperating with the appropriate authorities.

    Mohammed stated: “These allegations are baseless and malicious, aiming to tarnish the reputation of a top-performing private security organisation dedicated to eradicating pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

    “The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, made a prudent decision to engage Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, given its expertise in pipeline surveillance.

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    “Tantita’s activities have received widespread acclaim from stakeholders in the oil sector and the government.

    “Notably, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has created over 47,000 jobs in the Niger Delta, enhancing the socioeconomic development of the region and contributing to the recovery of the degraded environment caused by oil theft.”

  • Ogoniland youths set conditions for oil production resumption

    Ogoniland youths set conditions for oil production resumption

    Youths from Ogoniland in Rivers State have expressed willingness to accept the proposed resumption of oil production in their area, provided that all stakeholders are included in the negotiation process. 

    Under the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), the youths also urged the federal government to exonerate the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and others who were unjustly executed as a key precondition for restarting crude oil drilling. 

    NYCOP President, Barinuazor Emmanuel, stated this after a meeting in the Yeghe community, insisting that Saro-Wiwa and his comrades were innocent of the charges that led to their execution.

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    He also emphasized that NYCOP remains united following a reconciliation effort led by King Solomon Ndigbara, the Gbenemene Bua-Bori.

    Speaking after the meeting, King Solomon urged the Federal Government to engage directly with the Ogoni people rather than politicians, questioning the sincerity of politicians involved in the ongoing discussions.

    He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the University of Environment in Ogoniland and called for unity among the Ogoni people, warning that a divided house cannot stand. 

    During the meeting, NYCOP members passed a vote of confidence in their President, Emmanuel Barinuazor, pledging full support for his leadership.

  • Council boss supports SMEs with grants, rehabilitates water projects

    Council boss supports SMEs with grants, rehabilitates water projects

    Chairman of Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom Hon Kufre Umoren has given a N100,000 grant to support Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the Area. 

    He also sponsored a three-day free medical outreach for the masses with over 2,000 council residents as beneficiaries. 

    The medical team led by Dr. Edikan Ackley, an indigene of the area, informed  32 surgeries were carried out while over 2,000 patients received free  medications after thorough consultations.

     The doctor added  that over  500 received deworming treatments. 

    The Chairman, while speaking on the gesture, stated the business grant is more than just financial assistance but also fulfilment of his campaign promise to uplift and support entrepreneurs in the area. 

    He encouraged them to employ prudent management of the funds received, urging them to integrate principles that would ensure the sustenance and upscale of their respective businesses to new heights.

    The Chairman also  procured  250 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) forms for  aspiring students from ONNA and promised to empower more traders, farmers and businesses in the days to come. 

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    Umoren alsk breathes life into communities in the local government area  by providing accessible portable water maintaining that no meaningful development can occur without addressing the foundational needs of the people., especially  social amenities. 

    According to him: “These initiatives  havs profound ripple effects on the social and economic fabric of the communities. Women and children, who once bore the brunt of water scarcity, are now liberated from the daily drudgery of fetching water from distant,Children can now focus on their education, and women have more time to engage in productive activities, fostering a sense of empowerment and community upliftment.”

    Umoren while  commending the people for being peaceful called for their continuous support to the Arise Agenda of the Governor Umo Bassey Eno. 

    He said different  roads with the LGA have been graded and repair while new ones are underway to make life easy  and roads accessible for the people. 

  • Ikhilor: Okpebholo’s square peg in a square hole

    Ikhilor: Okpebholo’s square peg in a square hole

    By John Mayaki 

    When Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo appointed Barr. Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), three months ago, many were left wondering. His name wasn’t one that resonated loudly in Edo State’s political circles, yet he was entrusted with the engine room of the administration. Now, as the governor marks his first 100 days in office, it has become abundantly clear – Okpebholo got this appointment absolutely right.

    For those who doubted his political sagacity and relevance, his administrative capacity and know-how, Ikhilor recently proved why he is the right man for the job. He stepped forward to defend his boss and the administration, making two commanding television appearances – first on Channels Television, then on TVC. Both outings can be described as nothing short of superlative. His depth of understanding, clarity of thought, eloquence, and composure were on full display.

    I took note, particularly, when Seun Okinbaloye of Channels TV attempted to steer him off course, Ikhilor stood his ground. He exposed how Obaseki’s administration ran Edo State aground and showcased the remarkable increase in internally generated revenue under Okpebholo’s leadership. He revealed that upon assuming office, the administration was operating blindly until an asset verification team uncovered Obaseki’s can of worms. 

    He mentioned the scam that is now Radisson Blue Hotel, where government spent money on the project but Obaseki willed the shares to a company that was recently registered just a month before the expiration of the administration. It’s a must watched interview with huge revelations. 

    For the first time in a long while, Edo people saw an SSG who was not just a figurehead but a defender of the administration’s vision and policies. His commanding media presence and detailed breakdown of governance realities made Edo people proud. Unsurprisingly, his two TV appearances have since gone viral.

    When Ikhilor was first appointed, many questioned the rationale behind his selection. Now, let me say this – I am not sure he would be happy that I’m revealing this, but the truth must be told. Ikhilor was not just another political appointee; he was a key strategist, who worked behind the scenes as part of Okpebholo’s inner circle long before the election was won.

    His commitment to the project cannot be wished away just as everyone who worked for Okpebholo’s victory, and his investment in the administration’s success came at great personal cost – sacrifices I may not be at liberty to disclose.

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    What makes Ikhilor different from many before him is that he is not just occupying an office – he is making real impact. Unlike the conventional politicians who see the position of SSG as a ceremonial role, Ikhilor has approached it with the seriousness of a technocrat, with the foresight of a strategist, and the diligence of an administrator.

    A Muslim appointed by a Christian governor – to tell you how this appointment further unite our people – Ikhilor’s appointment also tells of  Okpebholo’s commitment to competence over religious or political affiliations. Ikhilor has shown himself as a seasoned legal expert, with a rich history in legislative drafting and parliamentary affairs. He built his career as a respected lawyer and became widely recognized in the National Assembly as one of the most reliable hands in the art of bill drafting and legislative processes. His expertise is a rare asset, and Edo State is already reaping the benefits.

    With the first 100 days successfully in the bag, the real work of governance begins. Ikhilor has already shown that he is not just a silent bureaucrat but an active player in shaping policy and governance. His deep knowledge of legislative processes could prove invaluable in drafting and implementing new reforms that will drive Edo’s progress.

    One thing is now clear and certain, Governor Okpebholo made the right choice, and Edo State is better for it. As the SSG continues to play his role in the administration, Edo people should expect to see more structure, more policy direction, and a more coordinated government. If his first 100 days are anything to go by, then the best is yet to come.

  • NGO hosts colloquium on Okpebholo’s 100 days in office 

    NGO hosts colloquium on Okpebholo’s 100 days in office 

    As Edo State marks 100 days under Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa is set to host a colloquium to assess and highlight his administration’s early achievements.

    The event, scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, in Abuja, will bring together key stakeholders, political analysts, and media professionals to discuss the impact of Governor Okpebholo’s policies within this short but significant period.

    With the theme: “Tracking the Achievements of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s First 100 Days in Office,” the colloquium will provide a platform for a critical and objective review of governance under the new administration.

    The event will be held under the chairmanship of Professor Abiodun Adeniyi

    Professor of Communication, Baze University, Abuja. 

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    Scheduled to take place at the Practical Governance Hall, Edo State Liaison Office, Edo House, Abuja, the gathering will serve as an interactive forum for Edo media practitioners and governance experts based in Abuja.

    As part of the program, the Coalition will also launch a special magazine, documenting Governor Okpebholo’s achievements across key sectors during his first 100 days in office.

    This initiative reflects the importance of transparency, accountability, and public engagement in governance. As the administration moves forward, such discussions will play a crucial role in shaping expectations and setting the tone for the next phase of leadership in Edo State.

  • Group condemns attack on Asaba Specialist Hospital GMD

    Group condemns attack on Asaba Specialist Hospital GMD

    A coalition of non-governmental organisations under the auspices of the Nigerian Women Executives Network (NWEN) has denounced a recent media smear campaign targeting the reputation of Dr Peace Ighosewe, the Chief Medical Director of Asaba Specialist Hospital.

    The group, under the leadership of Coordinator Mabel Egege, dismissed the allegations as unfounded and maliciously designed to damage the reputation of the Chief Medical Director.

    According to the group, the smear campaign against Dr. Ighosewe, the Chief Medical Director of Asaba Specialist Hospital, is driven by envy. They believe that Dr. Ighosewe’s successes since taking over the hospital have sparked jealousy, leading to repeated attempts to tarnish her reputation.

    The group specifically pointed out that these unknown individuals have now teamed up with some faceless blogs on social media to further their malicious goals.

    The coalition praised the exceptional patient experience at Asaba Specialist Hospital under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ighosewe. Notably, the hospital has established itself as a premier healthcare institution in Delta State, distinguished by its impressive staff-to-patient ratio, ensuring that patients receive prompt, personalized attention around the clock.

    This impressive standard and growth of the hospital, the coalition emphasized, is a clear indication of Dr. Ighosewe’s effective management and visionary leadership, which has transformed the hospital into a vibrant and efficient healthcare institution.

    “The significant increase in staff has undoubtedly enhanced the hospital’s capacity to provide quality medical services, improving the overall healthcare experience for patients and contributing to the well-being of the community,” she said.

    On infrastructure development, the Coordinator said under Dr Ighosewe’s watch, the hospital has embarked on the construction of waiting areas for Children, Antenatal, GOPD and Dental Clinic with the expansion of the existing Health Insurance Clinic, labour ward and labour ward theatre. The construction of the Gynae ward, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as well as Gynae Emergency wards, have also been some of the infrastructural development that has happened under her leadership.

    Her words: “We, as mothers, have firsthand experience with this hospital, where we received free maternal care, including cesarean sections. We’ve witnessed the hospital’s growth, particularly in the maternity ward, where overcrowding was alleviated by the timely construction of new waiting areas. This demonstrates the Chief Medical Director’s, Dr. Peace Ighosewe, genuine concern for patient well-being. As a way of easing the stress faced by breastfeeding mothers, a well-equipped, fully subsided creche has since been set up in the hospital.

    Dr. Ighosewe’s five-year tenure has been a resounding success, marked by numerous achievements, all funded through Internally Generated Revenue, a testament to her visionary leadership and prudent management.”

    “Under her administration, the hospital has significantly expanded its capacity to deliver high-quality healthcare services, while consistently upholding its reputation as one of the cleanest and most serene healthcare facilities in the region. The hospital’s tranquil and conducive environment provides an ideal setting for patients to receive treatment and recover.”

    “Furthermore, Dr. Ighosewe’s leadership and vision for the hospital’s growth and development has been instrumental in its transformation into a reputable teaching hospital which has made her a target for those who seek to undermine her reputation.

    “Dr Peace Ighosewe’s achievements are indeed worthy of recognition, and it’s great to acknowledge the significant support she’s received from the Delta State Government throughout her tenure. Asaba Specialist Hospital, where she serves as the Chief Medical Director, has benefited greatly from this partnership, evident in its expansion and accreditation of medical programs.

    “It’s essential to set the record straight, especially when faced with false and malicious claims. Dr. Ighosewe’s dedication to improving healthcare in Delta State is undeniable, and her work has positively impacted countless lives. As we urge Deltans and Nigerians to recognize her achievements, we also call on the Delta State Government to continue and intensify its support for her initiatives.

    “By doing so, we can ensure that Asaba Specialist Hospital remains a beacon of quality healthcare, providing the best possible services to the people of Delta State. Let’s rally behind Dr. Ighosewe and acknowledge her tireless efforts to improve healthcare in the region.”

  • Rivers Community Protests oil spill, devastation

    Rivers Community Protests oil spill, devastation

    …demands compensation from Shell

    …seeks environmental justice, clean up

    The people of Ogale community in Eleme local government of Rivers State have staged a protest over oil spills in their community.

    They peaceful protest was also held in solidarity to their ongoing legal battle against the Anglo Dutch multinational company, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), in London, the United Kingdom.

    The protesters, comprising chief, men, women, and youths numbering over thousands, claded in black and black attire to demonstrate their mood.

    The exercise was held at Shell facility in the community where unprecedented oil spill occurred two weeks ago.

    Speaking to news men at the protest venue, the representaives of the chiefs, women, youths and Right Activists present at the exercise decried high environmental, emotional, health, and social devastation the community have suffered due to incesaant spill and their consequential damages.

    Speaker after speakers reeled out mirald of challenges the community and her people have faced as consequencies of the spill, which include hardship, poverty, sickness, hunger, infertility as well as stunted growth on their children.

    They demanded that compensation, adqyate health audit to be conducted on the people of Ogale community and proper cleanup of the area to 3nable them get back to their farming and fishing jobs.

    “Shell should pay due compensation to Ogale people. There should be adequate health audit for Ogale people to ascertain the level of damage done to our system and how medical treatment can be enforced. They should give us clean water.”

    Earlier, some of the women who spoke to newsmen said, “When we fetch water from our rivers to drink, you will see oil floating on the water. Since we have no option, we still drink it, thereby consuming what is killing us gradually. We’re here to call on the world to come to our rescue, call Shell to order to clean up our environment to rsatore our land.”

    Some others lamented destruction of the ecosystem, natiral lives the community survives on, including farmlands and their products, acquatic lives among other.

    “We’re indigenes of Ogale community, we’re not happy over what is happening in our community, Shell has destroyed everything in our land, we have no good water to drink and do our daily chores, no more airable soil to cultivate our foods, neither do we have water to fish on.

    “We’re basically farmers and fishermen/women, we used to feed well look and live healthy when our environments had not known crude oil devastation, but the reserve is now the case, we now starve and suffer in hardship, hunger and sickness, we want Shell to compensate us and clean our land so we can go back to our normal healthy living.”they said.

    Addresding a news conference at the venue, an Environmental Activist, Celestine Akpobari, an Ogoni indigene criticized the neglect by the Federal Government and Shell to the plights of oil host communities in the Niger Delta Region, Ogoni in genetal and Ogale in particular, and called for declaration of State of emergency on the community.

    said, “Ogale people are gathered here because today, a hearing in a case instituted by 13,000 farmers against Shell in a London court is starting today and it will run until March 10, 2023.

    “They are here in solidarity with their king that is already in London. Human rights groups in UK is also doing same solidarity march in London, as we speak now.

    “They are here to say enough is enough, that they have suffered so much, that justice should be served.

    “As you are aware if you are living in this part of life, on January 2, 2025, there was a major spill from this manifold belonging to Shell.

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    “Incidentally, this is the first time Shell accepted that the falt was theirs; because they were flushing oil from their saver pit and that overflowed and took over the whole community, till today, people have not recovered from effects of the spill.

    “Ogale people are saying enough is enough, they locked up their shops today, nobody went to the farm, they all gathered here in solidarity with their king.

    “They are demanding that Shell should pay adequate compensation for loss of livelihoods, for damages caused by the spillages. Benzene, a cancer causing substance is in their water.

    “The people are suffering from various health challenges because of the polluted environment.

    “Things are terribly bad here, I think government should declare State of Emergency in Ogale, to come and relocate people that are here, clean up their land, restore natural habitats there, before returning them back.”

    Speaking on behalf of the youths, the President of Ogale Youths, Noble Obari-Worlu said, “today is a day that the whole indigenes and non-indigenes of Ogale have set aside to come and make their voices known that we have suffered a lot when it comes to oil exploration.

    “We have suffered enough in the hands of Shell that’s why you can see the mammoth crowd here today. Nobody went to farm, nobody went to market,.all shops are closed, everybody in the community is here today as a sign of solidarity to speak to the whole world that Ogale people have suffered a lot,
    we are dying of strange illnesses, we are suffering spillage on monthly basis.

    “The last one was just last week in this same facility that we are standing. We are suffering from different kinds of illnesses we don’t know.

    “When’s will the spillage stop, when will Ogale people get justice, when will Ogale people get clean water to drink, because Shell has contaminated our ground water.”

    Also the President of Ogoni Peoples Assembly(OPA), Pobel William agitated for clean environment devoid of pollution and its consequential health implications.

    William said, “our women, sons and daughters rashes all over their body, we say no.

    “We say no to oil spillage, cancer, hunger, intimely deaths, environmental injustice…

    “We refuse it that the blessing in our land will turn to curses…., among others.

  • Edo election: Why no party benefitted from over-voting

    Edo election: Why no party benefitted from over-voting

    By John Mayaki

      The recent testimonies before the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal have provided critical insights into the conduct of the election, particularly regarding incidents of over-voting.

      Witnesses, including collation and polling agents from various political parties, have corroborated a singular fact: whenever over-voting was detected, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took decisive action by canceling the affected results. This meticulous decision of the electoral umpire is commendable – being a commitment to upholding electoral integrity and ensuring that no political party derived undue advantage from irregularities.

      From Esan North East to Akoko Edo, Oredo, and Owan West, testimonies from party agents and independent monitors consistently indicate that INEC enforced strict adherence to its electoral guidelines. Afuda Theophilus Idemudia, who monitored the election in Esan North East, confirmed that despite the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent signing the election results, the discovery of over-voting led to their outright cancellation. This immediate nullification of compromised results prevented any party from unfairly benefiting from electoral discrepancies.

      Similarly, in Oredo LGA, the APC’s Collation Agent, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, testified that no political party raised objections to the election’s conduct. However, when over-voting was detected in Polling Unit 8, Ward 10, INEC officials invalidated the results at the Ward Collation Center. This proactive measure reinforces the fact that over-voting was addressed impartially, irrespective of the political party involved.

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      The testimonies of these witnesses has further thrown more light on the unusual but significant aspect of the election: broad agreement among political parties on the fairness of INEC’s process.

      Hon. Frank David, APC’s Collation Agent for Owan West LGA, confirmed that neither he nor any other party agent – including those representing PDP and Labour Party – contested the final results. The fact that agents from opposing political parties signed off on the result sheets is a strong endorsement of the credibility of INEC’s collation process.

      Moreover, Kamarudeen Coker Bello, the APC’s Local Government agent in Akoko Edo, corroborated that election results were canceled in cases where over-voting was detected, reinforcing the non-partisan application of electoral rules. These cancellations ensured that no party, including the then ruling led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki or the then opposition APC, gained an unfair advantage due to compromised vote counts.

      The consistent and non-discriminatory approach taken by INEC in invalidating results affected by over-voting simply speaks to institutional safeguards against electoral fraud. The electoral body’s reliance on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has further strengthened the transparency of the process, making it easier to detect and rectify irregularities. In this election, over-voting did not translate into a gain for any party, as INEC ensured that all such cases were expunged from the final vote tally.

      Let me add that, the absence of formal complaints from party agents at the collation centers demonstrates a level of consensus rarely seen in contentious elections. It suggests that the process was conducted in a manner that inspired confidence among stakeholders, reinforcing public trust in the electoral system.

      The testimonies before the tribunal have painted a clear picture of an election where INEC upheld its mandate to conduct a free, fair, and credible process. By systematically identifying and canceling results tainted by over-voting, INEC ensured that no political party unfairly benefited from irregularities. The absence of complaints from party agents at critical collation points, coupled with their willingness to sign off on final results, further affirms the credibility of the process that led to the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the governor of Edo state.

      While electoral systems are never perfect, the Edo election stands as a case study in how an electoral body can mitigate irregularities without partisan bias. The tribunal proceedings have, if anything, reinforced the fact that the election’s outcome was determined not by electoral fraud but by the democratic will of the people.

    • Why nobody can ban tradition

      Why nobody can ban tradition

      By HRH Dr. Sunday Azavonya Otaru (JP)

      The attention of the Eziobe Traditional Council of Igarra has been drawn to a voiceless online video and some publications in the media that Otaru Adeche Saiki purportedly suspended the annual Ekuochi Festivals of Igarra because of a clash between the supporters of two Ekuechichi masquerades during this year’s edition of the festival. 

      The Eziobe Traditional Council of Igarra, currently under my chairmanship as His Royal Highness, The Oshemdase of Igarra, hereby clarifies to the entire public that Igarra has five  traditional heads all of whom have coordinate status and authority by Igarra ancestral tradition and custom, and they are;  The Oshemdase Ooreyin of Igarra, the Oshidu of Igarra, the Otu of Igarra, the Oshemi of Igarra and the Otaru of Igarra. 

      The native festivals of Igarra are of two categories namely, the custodial and non-custodial. 

      A custodial festival in Igarra is that which is entirely owned and controlled by a particular clan or group of clans under one of the aforementioned traditional heads hence only that head may ban or suspend the custodial festival owned and controlled by his clan.   Examples of custodial festivals are Aba, Arido, Ochionine, Afuofu, etc. 

      A non-custodial festival in Igarra is that which is not under the control or ownership of any particular clan but celebrated by groups or individuals at anytime of the year and for any purpose for which they may wish to do so, and therefore need no permission from anyone by Igarra ancestral custom and tradition. Examples are Echetete, Ekuochi,  Echori, Ekuechichi festivals, Ori, etc. 

      However, when it becomes desirable to ban or suspend a non-custodial festival,  the five aforementioned traditional heads must, on behalf of their respective subjects and representatives of the Opoze Age group all meet, discuss the reasons, facilitate investigations accordingly, and if they find it necessary, unanimously agree to the suggested ban or suspension, and in modern times put it in writing and jointly append their signatures before announcing such to the public for it to be enforceable. 

      In Igarra, Ekuochi Festivals are  non-custodial.  Therefore the decision by any individual or group to celebrate it needs no permission from anyone whosoever. 

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       From the foregoing therefore, none of the aforementioned traditional heads in Igarra has the power to unilaterally suspend or ban any Ekuochi festival being a non-custodial festival in Igarra. 

      In 2004 when a ban of the same Ekuochi Festival was muted, all the above traditional heads of Igarra met, carried out investigations and in the end unanimously agreed to it, put it in writing and jointly signed it. Here is a copy of the document to that effect. 

      Otaru Adeche Saiki’s present attempt to arrogate such powers to himself through videos and publications of him issuing a purported suspension of the festival this time around reeks of an attempt to seek  ostensible and contrived electronic and documentary evidences with the objective to mislead the court before which the suit against the 2003 gazette is currently pending concerning the unresolved Igarra Kingship Dispute. 

      On the 15th of January, 2014,  some youths who tried to celebrate the Ekuechichi festival were attacked with gun shots and sustained bullet wounds by boys who allegedly belong to the five clans loyal to Otaru but Otaru did not issue any such purported ban or suspension obviously because the victims of the gunshots were not of the clans loyal to him.

      To further buttress that Otaru is merely seeking evidence for the ongoing Igarra Kingship Dispute court case and not genuinely concerned about stemming violent tendencies in Igarra, I shall go down memory lane as follows: 

      In 2013,  Okomayin Suru Akpata a very active and prominent politician of the Second, Third and Fourth Republics, got missing from Igarra amidst some background rancour within his group of clans, and has not been found either dead or alive till today. 

      In 2017, Mr. Aiyetobi Uwaishevo too  mysteriously disappeared and has not been found dead or alive till date. 

      But curiously, Otaru Adeche Saiki has never issued an official statement on either of these two incidents despite that both Okomanyi Suru Akpata and Aiyetobi Uwaishevo are loyal to him. 

      It is on record that on January 18, 2021 during the celebrations of Ekuechichi festival, Mr. Larcomb Emah was gruesomely murdered with gunshots. The murder case is still pending at the AIG zone 5, Benin City. Otaru Adeche Saiki did not see the need to consider a suspension of the festival. 

       Rather, some members of the five clans were seen openly celebrating, following the release of the suspects despite overwhelming evidence including eye witnesses. They threw parties which were tagged victory parties during which foods and drinks were shared. Emmanuel Adeche Saiki had no word of caution or reprimand for them. 

      I, the Oshemdase Ooreyin of Igarra, shall on behalf of The Eziobe Traditional Council of Igarra which I currently head, I make it clear to men of the press here present, the security agencies here present, and the general public that the Nine clans which we the four other traditional heads control in Igarra are peace loving and law abiding. Our subjects have never been liable for instigating violence in Igarra. 

      Based on the report of a committee set up by the ETC to investigate the fracas and the remote cause between the  *ONCHERE and SARS masquerades*, the two masquerades are hereby recommended  for suspension for two years, to serve as a deterrent to others.

       All the remaining Ekuechichi masquerades in Uffa and Utua should henceforth be coming out every other day alternately. 

      All the masquerades in Ugbogbo quarters have so far been very peaceful and orderly. So there is no point suspending the festival activities there. 

      Finally and very importantly, the night Ekuochi festivals in  Ugbogbo, Utua and Uffa quarters which started from November 2024 to January 2025 were very peaceful, orderly and entertaining.

      They are free to continue to celebrate the festivals but are admonished to continue to be peaceful and orderly in all their activities.

       In the recent past, some boys from the Eziezu group of clans under Otaru Emmanuel Adeche Saiki’s headship waylaid the convoy of His Royal Highness The Otu of Igarra in 2022 on his way to the venue of his coronation and began to smash the screens of vehicles claiming that only Otaru has the power to install an Otu. This was in spite of an existing court judgement against such a claim. They were however rounded up and apprehended by the police that day. 

      In November 2024,  Otaru Emmanuel Adeche Saiki attempted to ridicule some stools within our Council by  purportedly conferring some of our exclusive titles to some of his loyalists 

      unlawfully. The Igarra Police Area Command can testify that we only reported that illegality to the police and not a single person from our Eziobe group of clans

       went to the venue let alone try to disrupt the illegal event as they would have done if roles were reversed. We only filed a court action against them. 

      The security agencies should note that the Eziobe group of clans make up the majority of Igarra and our superior numerical strength gives us a physical advantage in any combat but as peace loving and law abiding citizens, we do not believe in abusing that numerical strength for violence and provocation because we own custodianship of nearly all the custodial festivals in Igarra thus we own and control the customs and traditions of Igarra, and so we naturally eschew violence because we have everything to lose if Igarra is destroyed as against the others who have no custodianship over any concrete element of our culture.

      *We hereby dissociate ourselves from the purported blanket and unilateral suspension of the festivals* 

       Finally, we advise Otaru Adeche Saiki to desist henceforth from his repeated attempts to preempt the courts with respect to the ongoing suits against the 2003 gazette.

       We call on the Edo State Government to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the unresolved Igarra Kingship Dispute through a Commission of Inquiry or otherwise towards finding out the truth and making recommendations accordingly.

      Thank you all and God bless.

      HRH Dr. Sunday Azavonya Otaru (JP) is the Oshemdase Ooreyin of Igarra.

    • Land dispute: Abigborodo community asks Sapele Okpe to provide proof of ownership

      Land dispute: Abigborodo community asks Sapele Okpe to provide proof of ownership

      The long-standing land dispute between the Abigborodo and Sapele Okpe communities has taken a dramatic turn with the Abigborodo Community Management Committee challenging the Sapele Okpe leadership to provide concrete evidence of land ownership or desist from making baseless claims.

      In a strongly worded rebuttal to recent statements by Chief Onoriode Temiagin and other leaders of the Sapele Okpe Community, Abigborodo leaders described the allegations against them as “false, misleading and unfounded.”

      The dispute over the ownership of the Ugbekoko lands intensified after Chief Temiagin accused Abigborodo, under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, of document forgery, orchestrating violence and falsely claiming host community status in the operations of SEPLAT Energy Plc. 

      He further alleged that historical documents supporting Abigborodo’s claims were fabrications and that the Itsekiri community was attempting to encroach on Okpe ancestral land.  

      However, in a swift response, Abigborodo leaders rejected these assertions, insisting that their ownership of Ugbekoko is backed by verifiable legal and historical records dating back to the British colonial era. 

      They cited a 1919 lease agreement, petitions from Chief Okonedo to the colonial administration, and other official correspondences, all of which they claim are duly certified by the National Archives. “If Chief Temiagin insists our documents are forged, we challenge him to produce his own evidence of ownership,” the statement read.  

      Furthermore, Abigborodo leaders dismissed allegations that they were behind the recent shooting of a Sapele Okpe indigene, Mr. Patrick Gageche, calling it a desperate attempt to stoke tensions and derail the Delta State Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee’s investigation into the matter. 

      According to them, this ”was aimed at inciting public sentiment against Abigborodo and creating an atmosphere of hostility where none should exist.”

      The Abigborodo community also accused Sapele Okpe leaders of orchestrating attacks against its people. 

      They alleged that Okpe youths, acting under directives from Chief Temiagin, mounted illegal roadblocks along Ugberikoko Gana Road, profiling and assaulting travellers of Itsekiri origin.

      They identified Solomon Ayiri Omamogho, Louis Atunu and Stephen Abaje, who reportedly sustained injuries in these attacks and urged security agencies to act swiftly in ensuring justice.  

      Beyond these allegations, Abigborodo leaders reminded the public the ongoing dispute is being handled by the State Government through a special conflict resolution committee led by Chief Edwin Uzor. 

      They noted that they have consistently pursued legal channels, petitioning Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and engaging SEPLAT and relevant government agencies. 

      The community also pointed to a meeting on February 5, 2025 at the Delta State Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) headquarters in Asaba, where all parties, including representatives of Sapele Okpe, agreed to abide by the state government’s white paper on the matter. 

      Read Also: Abigborodo community denies claims in Seplat host community dispute

      Key resolutions included a commitment to peace and a pledge to allow the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee to complete its investigation without undue interference.  

      However, despite these resolutions, Abigborodo leaders accused Chief Temiagin of violating the peace accord by continuing to make inflammatory statements online and in the media. 

      They warned that his actions could be subject to defamation and cyberbullying laws, stating, “Freedom of speech is not a license to spread falsehoods. Chief Temiagin must be prepared to prove his allegations in a court of law”  

      As tensions continue to simmer, Abigborodo leaders have urged their people to remain calm and law-abiding, emphasising their unwavering belief in the rule of law and due process. 

      They also called on security agencies to increase surveillance and protect innocent citizens from further attacks.