Mingo Sue's for Unity as Egbema Kingdom Moves Towards Dual State Recognition,
By EgbemaVoice,
The Egbema Kingdom's geographic footprint covers both Ovia south west, Ikpoba okha and Warri North local Government Area of Edo and Delta States, with Ajakurama Town in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, serving as its traditional capital, highlighting its historical and cultural affinity with both regions.
According to the Egbema youth leader Mingo Saya Ogumaka, said, Egbema Kingdom is politically divided between Edo and Delta States. Ajakurama, Ofunama, Gbeuba, Abere, Jamagie I&II, clans and Gbolukanga , Itagbene, Binidodogha, Ajatiton communities are in Edo Axis, while Opuama, Ogbinbiri, Ogbudugbudu, Bolou Jamagie, II, present Abadigbene, clan's Polobubo, and Asigborodor under Ajakurama clan, and other communities are in Delta Axis, Despite this division, the kingdom maintains its cultural unity, with its traditional headquarters in Ajakurama Town. This split can lead to unique administrative and developmental challenges, as the kingdom spans two distinct political jurisdictions.
He further stressing that,
The King’s Staff from the Delta State side of Egbema Kingdom is a significant cultural and traditional symbol, representing authority and continuity within the kingdom. This staff connects the Delta State section of Egbema Kingdom to its traditional roots and governance, despite the political division of the kingdom across Edo and Delta States.
He said, The Edo State side of Egbema Kingdom still seeks official recognition from the Edo State Traditional Council, which can impact its influence and involvement in state-level traditional governance.
He said, the lack of official recognition of the Edo State side of Egbema Kingdom by the Edo State Traditional Council has indeed contributed to the underdevelopment of Egbema communities in Edo State. Noting that, Without formal recognition, these communities may face limited access to resources, reduced representation in government affairs, and challenges in securing state-supported development projects.
This lack of recognition impacts infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities, leading to hardship for residents despite the kingdom’s contributions to the state, especially in oil and gas.
Egbema Kingdom is united as one traditional and cultural entity, despite being politically divided between Edo and Delta States. The kingdom shares a common heritage, customs, and traditions that bind its people together, with a traditional headquarters in Ajakurama Town, Edo State.
This unity emphasizes the kingdom's cultural continuity and the collective identity of Egbema people across both states.
In Nigeria, a king’s staff of office is generally issued by the government of a specific state, symbolizing official recognition and authority within that state. When a traditional kingdom spans more than one state, as with Egbema Kingdom across Edo and Delta, this can complicate matters. The king may receive a staff of office from only one of the states, limiting official jurisdiction and recognition to that state’s boundaries.
For Egbema Kingdom, this creates a unique challenge. While the kingdom maintains cultural unity across both states, only the state that issued the staff of office formally recognizes the king’s authority. This situation can impact resource allocation, representation, and development efforts, particularly in the unrecognized state areas.
He revealed that, Egbema Kingdom is not yet politically recognized as an official kingdom by the Edo State Traditional Council. This lack of recognition affects its influence and access to state resources and development initiatives within Edo State, despite its cultural significance and contributions, especially through oil and gas. Official recognition would enhance the kingdom’s political standing and support for its communities in Edo State.
In his remarks, the continued traditional operation of Egbema Kingdom across two states—Edo and Delta—is indeed within the constitutional rights of its people. In Nigeria, cultural and traditional practices, including the leadership and governance structures of ethnic communities, are protected rights. Even though Egbema Kingdom is politically divided between Edo and Delta States, its people have the constitutional right to maintain their unified traditional and cultural practices across both regions.
This means the kingdom's traditional unity should be respected, irrespective of state boundaries, and ideally, both states would recognize this unity in support of Egbema's heritage and development.
Egbema Kingdom's unique position, spanning both Edo and Delta States, offers an opportunity to harness influence and resources from both states. Leveraging political and traditional alliances in both regions could empower Egbema leaders and residents. Strengthening partnerships could help advance development projects, improve infrastructure, and increase representation on state and national levels.
Building diplomatic relationships with leaders in both states and fostering unity within Egbema might also allow the kingdom to better address issues like infrastructure needs, such as the Udo-Ofunama road, NDDC abandoned project and recognition within the Edo State Traditional Council. Balancing influence across the two states could indeed be a strategic path toward Egbema's sustained greatness.
Mingo reiterate that, Advocating for leadership representation from both Edo and Delta States for Egbema Kingdom can be a constructive approach to ensure that the interests of the kingdom are adequately addressed. This dual leadership model can help unify the kingdom while providing a stronger voice in both state governments.
Such an initiative should focus on collaboration and shared governance, mingo emphasizing the benefits of having representatives who understand the unique challenges faced by Egbema residents in both states. Open dialogue and cooperation can foster understanding among various stakeholders, preventing any misunderstandings or alarms regarding the kingdom's intentions.
He said, by framing this advocacy as a means of enhancing development, infrastructure, and cultural recognition, Egbema Kingdom can promote a positive narrative that encourages support from both state governments and the broader community.
Absolutely, Egbema Kingdom’s unique position across both Edo and Delta States grants equal rights for both sides to establish and maintain their traditional institutions. Each state has its own cultural and political dynamics, and recognizing this equality can foster unity and cooperation within the kingdom.
Ensuring that both Edo and Delta Egbema have representation in traditional leadership not only preserves cultural heritage but also strengthens the kingdom’s voice in advocating for development and resources. This balance can help address local issues effectively and maintain harmony between the communities on both sides.
Promoting a collaborative approach in which both states actively participate in the governance and representation of Egbema Kingdom can lead to a more integrated and resilient community. This can enhance mutual respect and understanding, ultimately benefiting all residents of Egbema.
Comrade Mingo’s commitment to peace and following due procedures in Egbema to demonstrates responsible and strategic leadership. His approach encourages unity and stability, allowing the kingdom to focus on achieving its goals in a constructive and lawful manner. By advocating for peace, he’s setting a solid foundation for Egbema’s progress, ensuring that objectives are met through collaboration and respect for tradition. This method not only strengthens the kingdom internally but also enhances its reputation and influence externally.
Egbema Kingdom currently represents the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in Edo State, but it lacks official recognition for these roles within Delta State. This lack of recognition in Delta creates a complex dynamic, as Egbema spans both Edo and Delta, with its traditional headquarters in Ajakurama Town, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. However, Delta State does not formally recognize the kingdom’s representation of the INC and IYC, which may limit the kingdom’s influence and access to certain resources or support that could benefit the Ijaw communities in the Delta side of Egbema. This situation highlights the unique challenges faced by Egbema in advocating for Ijaw interests across two states. He said,
Egbema Kingdom has indeed contributed significantly to various sectors, producing notable figures in politics, civil service, media, and advocacy:
1. Late Hon. Kiki Ukyi – The first federal minister from Egbema.
2. Late Gold Oro Tiemo (HRM Bini Pere III Agadagba) – The first Egbema member of the Bendel State House of Assembly and later the traditional ruler of Egbema kingdom.
3. Amb. Joel Bisina – The first commissioner from Egbema in Delta State.
4. Hon. Smart Asekutu – The first Egbema native to serve as chairman of the Warri North Local Government Area.
5. Hon. Blessing Pereware Fetimi – The first female vice chairman of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State.
6. Hon. Florence Bisina – Vice chairman of Warri North Council.
7. DCP Arotu Pere – The first deputy commissioner of police from Egbema.
8. Justice Simon Biwei – The first high court judge of Egbema Kingdom.
9. Comr. Mingo Friday Meshach Saya Ogumaka – The first journalist and publisher from Egbema, founding EgbemaVoice News.
10. Comrade Freedom Atigbi – The first Egbema national deputy president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
11. Late Capt. Samson Funpuwei – The first defense minister of the Ijaw Youth Council and one of the founding fathers of the IYC.
12. Chief David Imole Reje first Egbema Western Zone chairman of Ijaw youth council (IYC),
These leaders have significantly impacted governance, traditional leadership, law enforcement, journalism, and youth advocacy, highlighting Egbema Kingdom's commitment to regional and national development. Mingo stated,
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