ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Edo State Belongs to All Ethnic Nationalities, Not One Tribe—No King Is the Governor of Edo State,

By Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka (KingdomVoice), Niger Delta Youth Leader

Recent comments by some Bini ethnic advocates referring to the Ijaw people of Edo State as "tenants" are provocative, misleading, and capable of undermining the peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic nationalities in Edo State. Such statements should be rejected by all who value truth, justice, and unity.

The Ijaw people are one of the indigenous ethnic nationalities of present-day Edo State. Historical records and oral traditions indicate that Ijaw settlements existed in the riverine areas of what is now Edo State long before the modern Nigerian state was created. Like other indigenous communities, the Ijaw have their own traditional institutions, cultural heritage, ancestral lands, and recognized kings.

No ethnic group has the moral or legal authority to describe another indigenous people as "tenants" in their ancestral homeland. Edo State is a multi-ethnic state comprising the Bini, Ijaw, Esan, Afemai, Akoko-Edo, Isoko, Urhobo, and other communities, all of whom deserve equal recognition, dignity, and constitutional protection.

It is also important to distinguish between the Oba of Benin and the Government of Edo State. The Oba is the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, not the constitutional ruler of Edo State. Nigeria operates under a democratic Constitution where elected officials—not traditional rulers—exercise executive authority. No traditional ruler is a governor, local government chairman, or councillor.

Concerns have continued to grow over what many perceive as the political dominance of one traditional institution over other ethnic nationalities, particularly in matters relating to traditional administration. Government policies should promote fairness, equality, and respect for all recognized traditional rulers rather than creating the impression that one kingdom has authority over others.

The administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki introduced reforms to the traditional council structure. Those reforms generated significant public debate, particularly regarding the role of the Edo South Traditional Council and the relationship between traditional institutions and government. Any government reviewing such laws should do so through broad consultation with all affected ethnic nationalities and stakeholders, not in a manner that creates feelings of exclusion or domination.

The present administration should ensure that every indigenous ethnic nationality in Edo State enjoys equal treatment before the law. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved where any group feels marginalized or where inflammatory language is tolerated.

The repeated use of the word "tenant" against the Ijaw people is unacceptable and should cease immediately. Such rhetoric only fuels unnecessary ethnic tension and distracts from the real challenges facing Edo State—development, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth.

History should unite us, not divide us. Every indigenous ethnic nationality has contributed to the development of present-day Edo State. Mutual respect must replace ethnic superiority, and justice must replace intimidation.

The Government of Edo State has a constitutional responsibility to protect every citizen equally, regardless of ethnicity or traditional affiliation. It must remain neutral, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that no community is treated as second-class citizens.

The future of Edo State lies in equality, justice, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence—not in ethnic domination or historical revisionism.

Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka (KingdomVoice)

Niger Delta Youth Leader