A prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, has advised Rivers State traditional ruler, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, to refrain from making statements capable of creating tension between the Ijaw people and their Benin neighbours in Edo State.
Inegbeniki gave the warning on Tuesday in Benin City, while addressing journalists, describing Dokubo’s recent remarks as unnecessary, ill-advised, and capable of threatening the peaceful relationship that has existed between the two ethnic groups.
The Egbedi of Ozoro Land urged Asari Dokubo, as a traditional leader, to embrace the role of a peace ambassador by promoting unity, dialogue, and harmony rather than making comments that could fuel division.
According to him, the Ijaws and Benin people in Edo State have enjoyed a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence.
“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 a member of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), stressed that traditional rulers and community leaders have a responsibility to use their influence to encourage peace and stability across the region.
The Edo Central-born politician, businessman and a BOT member of HOSTCOM warned that inflammatory statements could provoke resentment and create unnecessary tension between the 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, 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, emphasizing 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.
