Ajakurama Development Initiative Rebukes Edo Deputy Governor Over Misleading Claims on Abere–Ajakurama Land Dispute,
Ajakurama Development Initiative Condemns Edo State Deputy Governor’s Careless and Misleading Remarks on Abere–Ajakurama Land Dispute
The Ajakurama Development Initiative (ADI) strongly condemns the recent remarks made by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, regarding the long-standing land dispute between the Abere and Ajakurama communities. This dispute, earlier in 2025, resulted in violent attacks, severe persons injuries sustained by Ajakurama youths.
During a peace meeting held at the Government House, Benin City, the Deputy Governor urged both communities to “embrace peace,” while asserting that the disputed land forms part of the Government’s Forest Reserve.
ADI considers this statement careless, provocative, and a deliberate distortion of historical and traditional facts. It attempts to undermine the ancestral ownership rights of both Ijaw communities and misinform the general public.
OUR POSITION
1. The Land Belongs to Ajakurama and Abere Communities
The claim that the land in question is government-owned is incorrect and disrespectful to both communities.
Ajakurama and Abere people have occupied their God-given ancestral land for centuries, long before the creation of Edo State, Midwest Region, or Bendel State. Their settlement boundaries are well known, historically established, and uncontested for generations.
2. Edo Forest Reserve Has Clearly Gazetted Boundaries
The Edo State Forest Reserve has specific gazetted locations. Historically, these forest territories belong to the Egbema, Olodiama, and Okomu Kingdoms. The Government later designated these areas as reserves without proper consent from the indigenous owners.
Therefore, linking the Abere–Ajakurama land to the forest reserve narrative is an attempt to rewrite history.
3. Midwest and Bendel Gazettes Remain Valid
Long before Edo State existed, land allocations for the relevant reserve lands were documented in official Midwest and Bendel State gazettes. These gazettes remain valid public records and cannot be overridden by political statements.
4. Where Is the Survey Report?
The Deputy Governor previously dispatched a survey team to map the land between Abere and Ajakurama communities.
What became of that report?
Why has the Government abandoned a process it initiated?
This lack of transparency raises concerns and undermines ongoing peace efforts.
5. Ajakurama Chose Peace Despite Being Attacked
During the crisis that Abere Youths inflicted injuries on Ajakurama youths, the community chose not to retaliate, opting instead for lawful and peaceful resolution.
This restraint reflects their long-standing fraternal relationship with Abere. ADI continues to condemn any youth or elders—on either side—who promote or encourage violence.
6. Edo Ijaw Marginalization Is Becoming Too Obvious
The Deputy Governor’s comments reflect an ongoing pattern of marginalization of Edo Ijaws, rooted in ethnic bias and discriminatory governance.
His claim that the land “belongs to government” is an open insult and direct attack on the identity and rights of the Ijaw people.
7. Government Belongs to the People
Government derives its authority from the people, not the reverse.
Therefore, any attempt to appropriate ancestral land under the guise of “government ownership” is unacceptable.
Land belongs to the communities—the people are the government.
OUR DEMANDS
The Ajakurama Development Initiative, representing the peace-loving people of Ajakurama community, hereby demands:
1. Immediate condemnation of the Deputy Governor’s misleading and insensitive statement.
2. A full retraction of his claim that the disputed land belongs to the Government.
3. A public apology to both Ajakurama and Abere communities.
4. Release of the land survey report previously conducted at the Deputy Governor’s directive.
5. A reaffirmation of our commitment to peace, unity, justice, and lawful conflict resolution.
The people of Ajakurama and Abere deserve fairness, respect, and recognition of their ancestral rights not political statements that deepen tension or insult their heritage.
Signed:
Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka
President, Ajakurama Development Initiative
Comr. Engr. Karina Ezekiel
Secretary, Ajakurama Development Initiative
Comr. Engr. Michael Ejemi
Public Relations Officer, Ajakurama Development Initiative
Comments