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DOKUBO TO OKPEBHOLO: GIVE EDO IJAWS THEIR DUE

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DOKUBO TO OKPEBHOLO: GIVE EDO IJAWS THEIR DUE

"We have historical documents dating back to 16th something, where it clearly states that Gelegele is an Ijaw settlement."

His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, Amayanabo of Torusarama-Piri, Elem Kalabari, has called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to give urgent attention to the condition of Ijaw communities in the state, declaring that the struggle for the rights, recognition and development of Ijaw people in Edo should become a major priority.

Speaking during the 2026 Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide National Electoral Committee Manifesto Presentation and Debate in Degema, Rivers State, Dokubo said the IYC was established as a platform for advocacy and the protection of Ijaw interests.

GbaramatuVoice reports that the respected Ijaw leader urged the organisation to remain committed to its founding ideals and continue championing issues affecting Ijaw communities across the country.

According to him, "Our next battleground is Edo State. This organization was not formed for pleasure, was not formed for this sort of thing. We did not form this organization for these fine-fine things."

Reflecting on the early struggles of Ijaw activism, Dokubo recalled the sacrifices made by pioneers of the movement in pursuit of justice, recognition and development for Ijaw communities.

"We were going to Arogbo for three days and eating raw corn, cassava, everything at Gbelebu. We ate everything, ripe and unripe, cooked and uncooked. All the water in Gbelebu, in the well, everything, we drank all," he said.

Dokubo appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State Government to address concerns relating to the rights, recognition and welfare of Ijaw communities in the state, insisting that they deserve the same opportunities and consideration enjoyed by their counterparts in neighbouring states.

"We cannot continue to allow the Ijaws to continue in the condition they are, because government drew a line and said this is Delta, this is Ondo, this is Edo. The people of Ondo State have their right. The people of Delta have their right, but the people of Edo State cannot have their right," he stated.

Dokubo also questioned arguments surrounding the status of some Ijaw communities, particularly in relation to claims of settlement and indigeneity.

"Ofunama is a settlers. Opposite Ofunama is Delta State, they are not settlers. How can you get this sort of argument?" he queried.

The traditional ruler further referenced historical records which he said support the Ijaw origin of certain communities in the area.

"We have historical documents dating back to 16th something, where it clearly states that Gelegele is an Ijaw settlement," he said.

Dokubo maintained that claims linking some Ijaw communities to Benin ancestry were inaccurate.

"All those Ijaw people who are claiming historical parasitism that they are from Benin, they are liars. There is no Kalabari man that is from Benin. I am saying it as the Amayanabo of the Source," he declared.

His remarks have added to ongoing conversations about the history, identity and rights of Ijaw communities in Edo State, while drawing attention to calls for greater government engagement and development in the affected communities.

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