THE IJAW OF EDO STATE: A PEOPLE WHOSE ROOTS RUN DEEPER THAN THE MANGROVES "History should illuminate identity, not erase it" By Engr. Yeigagha Henry, JP In the mosaic of Nigeria's ethnic nationalities, some histories are loudly celebrated, while others lie quietly beneath the waters of neglect. The story of the Ijaw people of Edo State belongs to the latter. Yet, like the ancient rivers that have sustained them for centuries, their history refuses to disappear beneath the tides of time. It flows steadily through oral traditions, cultural institutions, linguistic evidence, and the enduring resilience of a people who have made the creeks and mangrove forests of southern Edo their ancestral homeland. The Ijaw, known also as the Ijo or Izon, are widely regarded by many historians and linguists as among the oldest surviving peoples of the Niger Delta. Their language, belonging to the ancient Ijoid family, is considered one of the oldest linguistic groups in West A...

By EgbemaVoice  Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has urged members of the organised private sector to move beyond discussions and presentations at the forthcoming Delta State Investment and Economic Summit and become active investors in the state’s economy. Aniagwu spoke in Asaba during an interactive meeting between the Main Organising Committee of the summit and representatives of the organised private sector, ahead of the summit scheduled to hold from August 3 to 5. He said while the state was expecting foreign investors with substantial capital, local entrepreneurs remained critical to the success of the investment drive because of their deeper stake in the growth and stability of the state’s economy. According to him, the summit should not end with speeches, memoranda and panel discussions, but should translate into concrete investments, partnerships and job-creating ventures across key sectors. Aniagwu sa...

The Baminipere, High Chief General Peres G. Ejune, JP, Congratulates High Chief Ebibopere Ajube on His 50th Birthday Anniversary By EgbemaVoice  The Baminipere of Ajakurama Town, High Chief General Peres G. Ejune, JP, has extended warm congratulations to Senior High Chief bibopere Ajube, the Prime Minister of the Arogbo Ibe Kingdom, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary. In his congratulatory message, High Chief Peres Ejune described High Chief Ajube, popularly known as "Shoot-at-Sight," as a distinguished Niger Delta icon whose commitment to peace, unity, and the development of the Ijaw nation has earned him widespread admiration. He commended the celebrant's remarkable contributions to peacebuilding across the Niger Delta, noting that his leadership, courage, and dedication have positively impacted countless lives, particularly among the youth. The Baminipere further praised High Chief Ajube for his unwavering support for the growth and progress o...

By EgbemaVoice  The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to sustainable peace, security and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta, urging stakeholders to embrace effective leadership and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as essential tools for conflict management. The PAP Administrator also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support for the programme, particularly the approval of an upward review of its budget and the recent approval for the establishment of a Rehabilitation Unit, which he said would address a critical aspect of the programme's mandate that had previously been absent. He appealed to people of the Niger Delta to continue supporting the Federal Government, stating that the President had demonstrated genuine commitment to the region's development. Otuaro made the call on Monday while declaring ope...

BREAKING NEWS: United Nations Technically Passes A Vote-Of-No-Confidence On President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Administration,Ahead Of The 2027 Elections;  Raises Fresh Alarm; Reveals That More Than Seventeen Million Northerners Have Been Pushed Closer To Starvation Under The Current APC Presidency;  The Worst In The History Of Nigeria's Democracy. The United Nations (UN) on Friday,raised fresh concerns over Nigeria's worsening humanitarian crisis,warning that more than seventeen million people across Northern Nigeria,are facing severe hunger,with insecurity,displacement and dwindling humanitarian support,pushing millions closer to starvation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. According to the United Nations World Food Programme,WFP,Northern Nigeria is experiencing one of its worst food crisis in nearly a decade. A recent Cadre Harmonise food security assessment found that more than seventeen million people across conflict-affected Northern State...

Golden Jubilee: Amb. Festus Pere Kin Celebrates Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube at 50, Hails His Selfless Service to the Ijaw Nation By EgbemaVoice  The Egbema Youth Leader, Amb. Festus Pere Kin, has extended warm congratulations to Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube on the joyous occasion of his 50th birthday, describing him as one of the finest icons of the Ijaw nation whose life has been dedicated to service, leadership, and the advancement of the Niger Delta region. In his goodwill message, Amb. Pere praised the celebrant for his commitment, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Niger Delta. He noted that Senior High Chief Ajube has positively impacted the lives of thousands of youths through his mentorship, empowerment initiatives, security company, and exemplary leadership, earning the admiration and respect of those who have worked closely with him. According to Amb. Pere, the golden jubilee celebrati...

By Egbemavoice  The Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF) has called on all sons and daughters of Egbema Kingdom aspiring to represent the kingdom in the Delta State and Edo State House of Assembly to embrace unity, mutual understanding, and strategic political collaboration as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Forum, Barr. Ebigbagha Baidi and Spokesman, Barr. Ebiterigha D. Ejemi, the organization stated in clear terms that the political future of Egbema Kingdom depends largely on the ability of its leaders and aspirants to put aside personal ambitions and work collectively toward achieving effective representation and sustainable development. Barr. Ebigbagha noted that Egbema Kingdom, which spans Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State and Ovia South-West and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas of Edo State, possesses enormous political potential that can only be realized through unit...

Oborevwori Approves 50 CNG buses, Electric Vehicles, Mega Bus Terminal For Delta Mass Transit By EgbemaVoice  Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the purchase of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, the acquisition of electric vehicles and the construction of an ultra-modern mega bus terminal in Asaba as part of efforts to improve public transportation across the state. The approvals were among key decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by the governor. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, said the approvals were informed by a comprehensive transportation study carried out across major cities in the state, including Warri, Asaba, Ughelli, Agbor, Sapele, Abraka and Oleh. According to him, the study revealed that an average of over 19,000 people move around the state daily, with about 80 per cent of commuters depending on public transportation, whi...

Delta Exco Approves Permanent 13th-Month Salary For Workers ..To Recruit Teachers, Equip Technical Colleges By EgbemaVoice  The Delta State Executive Council has approved the institutionalisation of the 13th-month salary for civil servants, the recruitment of more teachers for public secondary schools and the equipping of technical colleges as part of measures to strengthen workers' welfare and improve education in the state.  Briefing journalists after the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said the council approved a memo presented by the governor to make the payment of the 13th-month salary a permanent statutory benefit for workers.  Aniagwu, who addressed the media alongside the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme and the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, said the approval would pave the way for an executive bill ...

Ijaw United Forum Strengthens Unity Drive at monthly Meeting in Oghara By EgbemaVoice The Ijaw United Forum (IUF), Oghara Chapter, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, peace, and collective progress among Ijaw people residing in Oghara and its surrounding communities during its monthly meeting held in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. The well-attended meeting brought together Ijaw sons and daughters from different communities and backgrounds, serving as a platform to strengthen bonds of brotherhood, foster mutual understanding, and encourage greater participation in activities that promote the collective interests of the Ijaw nation. Speaking during the meeting, the chairman Mr. Erukaye Arthor leaders of the forum stressed that unity remains the greatest strength of any people, noting that sustainable development, peace, and effective representation can only be achieved when Ijaw people speak with one ...

This is B.S.L.N. 148 of 1979 — an Extraordinary Gazette of the old Bendel State Government. TITLE: TRADITIONAL RULERS AND CHIEFS EDICT, 1979 Subject: Declaration of Customary Law Regulating Succession to the Title of AGADAGBA OF EGBEMA  Dated: 28th day of September, 1979, Benin City Signed: D. P. Lawani, O.O.N., J.P., Secretary to the Military Government, Bendel State of Nigeria KEY POINTS OF THE DECLARATION The Four Ruling Villages of Egbema There are four villages in Egbema that are recognized for succession: Jamagie/Abadigbene Ajakurama Opuama/Polobubor Ogbudugbudu Succession to the Agadagba stool rotates among the four villages in the exact order listed above. Qualification of a Candidate To qualify, a candidate must be a male descendant of an Egbema father, and a non-Egbema mother.  . The selection of candidates is by consensus of representatives from all four villages at a meeting summoned for that purpose. The meeting must be presided over by the oldest man,...

No Records of Previous PAP Administrator Has Beaten Otuaro's Reforms, Stop Witch-hunt, Pull-Him-Down Syndrome – IPDI Warns Blackmailers °He deserves support, not sabotage-Ozobo By EgbemaVoice  The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, says there is no record of any previous Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, that has matched the current reforms being driven by High Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD.  The group has also warned individuals and groups it is described as “blackmailers” to stop what it called a “pull-him-down syndrome and which-hunt” against the PAP Administrator.  In a report signed by its national president Comrade Ozobo Austin in Warri on Thursday, said Otuaro’s tenure has brought measurable changes to the Amnesty Programme within a short period.  According to him, the Administrator has prioritized foreign scholarships, clearing of scholarship arrears, payment of outstanding stipends, expansion of vocational training, a...

Title: Your NHF Money Is Waiting. Here’s How to Collect It For all the years in Service, 2.5% of your basic salary was deducted Monthly.   It was labeled “NHF” on your payslip. Most officers retire and never ask about it.   But that money didn’t disappear. It’s with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and you can claim it with interest. Here’s how: 1. The Money Is Yours by Law The National Housing Fund Act says every public servant contributes 2.5% of basic salary.   When you retire, resign, or turn 50, you’re entitled to a refund of all contributions + 2% interest per year. It’s not a loan. It’s your savings.   But FMBN won’t pay you automatically. You have to apply. 2. Check If You Have Contributed First before applying, confirm if FMBN has your records. Do this:👇 - Go to the nearest FMBN office with your ID and service number. - Ask for your “NHF Statement of Account”.  - Or try the FMBN portal at 👉 (CHECK THE LINK T...

ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER LOOMING IN DELTA, MULADE TELLS GOV OBORVWORI By EgbemaVoice  Delta State-born Environmental and peace advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has raised the alarm over what he described as an impending environmental disaster in Delta State, urging Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to take immediate and proactive measures to safeguard communities, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure from the growing effects of environmental degradation. Mulade expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of dredging activities across different parts of the state, alleging that many of the operations are being carried out without adequate consideration for their long-term environmental consequences. According to him, several dredging sites are located dangerously close to major highways, roads and bridges, creating fears that continuous excavation could weaken the soil structure supporting critical infrastructure and expose communities to a...

L-R: Country Manager, Nigeria, Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom, Linda Ayodele; Regional Director, Africa (ARU), Dr Nana Adom; Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro; Senior Admissions Manager (ARU), Eve Flower; and Head of Education at PAP, Dr Charles Ariye, during a courtesy visit by the university's team to Dr Otuaro in Abuja on Wednesday, 1 July, 2026. President Tinubu Committed To Bridging Human Capital Development Gap In Niger Delta- Otuaro, By EgbemaVoice  The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to investing in the education of the Niger Delta youths through the programme's scholarship scheme to bridge the human capital development gap in the region. Dr Otuaro spoke on Wednesday when a delegation from the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), United Kingdom, comprising the Regional Director, Africa, Dr Nana Adom; Senior Admis...

By EgbemaVoice The people of Egbema Kingdom have another reason to celebrate as one of their illustrious sons, Amb. Dango Anthony Onaikegba, has successfully earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Business Administration from Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State. The academic achievement marks another significant milestone in the ambassador's journey of personal growth, leadership, and professional excellence. His successful completion of the postgraduate programme reflects his unwavering commitment to education, capacity building, and continuous self-development. Amb. Dango Anthony Onaikegba has continued to distinguish himself through dedication, resilience, and a passion for excellence. His latest academic accomplishment serves as an inspiration to the younger generation, demonstrating that hard work, determination, and a commitment to lifelong learning remain the keys to success. As an outstanding son of Egbema Kingdom, his achievement has been w...

By EgbemaVoice  Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon has said the appointment of Tantita Security Services Limited to protect Nigeria's critical oil assets has significantly improved the nation's economy while restoring peace across the Niger Delta. Speaking during an appearance on Beyond The Headlines on TVC, Solomon commended President Tinubu for entrusting the surveillance of the country's oil installations to Tantita Security Services Limited, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo. According to him, the security outfit has played a pivotal role in curbing crude oil theft, boosting oil production and increasing government revenue at the federal, state and local government levels. Solomon described Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as an illustrious son of the Niger Delta whose contributions to the region's struggle have now translated into tangible econo...

HISTORY OF IJAWS IN EDO STATE A historically rigorous account should distinguish clearly between evidence supported by archaeology, linguistics, and documentary sources and oral traditions. The following synthesis does that. The Early History of the Ijaw in Present-Day Edo State The Ijaw communities(Kingdoms) of present-day southern Edo State, particularly Olodiama (West), Egbema, Furupagha, and Okomu, form part of the wider Ijaw ethnolinguistic group that occupies much of the Niger Delta. These communities are regarded as indigenous to the region rather than later settlers. Unlike the inland kingdoms of West Africa, the early Ijaw did not organize themselves into one centralized empire. Instead, they developed independent riverine kingdoms, each governed by its own traditional ruler (Pere), council of chiefs, and age-grade institutions. This decentralized political system often leads to a misunderstanding: because there was no single "Ijaw Kingdom," some assume the Ijaw were...

ASP Usman Nuhu and four other police officers have pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them over the alleged murder of 28-year-old musician Oghenemine Ogidi. The officers appeared before the Delta State High Court in Asaba over the April 26, 2026 incident that occurred in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area. ASP Usman Nuhu is facing a murder charge, while the four other officers are charged with alleged negligent acts causing harm in connection with the incident. According to the prosecution, Oghenemine Ogidi was allegedly restrained on the ground before ASP Usman Nuhu allegedly shot him at close range in the presence of the other officers. However, all five defendants denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. Following their plea, the court fixed July 14, 2026, for the commencement of trial, when both the prosecution and the defence are expected to begin presenting their evidence. The Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Oh...

Gov Diri Moves To End IYC Leadership Rift. Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, took steps to end the protracted factional leadership crisis in the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). At a meeting with both factions and other stakeholders at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Governor Diri advised the factional leaders, Jonathan Lokpobiri and Dr. Theophilus Alaye, to jettison their differences and work together in the larger interest of the Ijaw nation. He also urged them to embrace peace in order to conduct a united elective convention that would produce a leader that is acceptable to the IYC and the ethnic nationality.  The Bayelsa governor enjoined the ethnic nationality’s foremost youth organisation to conduct its election in accordance with its constitution, stressing the need to elect a leader that had the interest of the Ijaw nation at heart. Senator Diri, who invited Lokpobiri and Alaye to the podium, urged the...

By EgbemaVoice, Niger Delta born renowned peace and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom and National Coordinator of the foremost NGO Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has said that the emulation of the good character of others is the truest way to preserve their legacies in life. Mulade made the assertion at the 40th Remembrance Anniversary and Thanksgiving service in honour of his late father, Engr. Edward Aroh Mulade, at the Living Faith Church (Winners' Chapel) in Benikrukru Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West council area of Delta State, on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The late Engr. Mulade, popularly called Eddy, described as a "perfect gentleman, sailor, organiser, mobiliser, and development advocate" was born on September 7, 1943 and passed away to the glory of God on June 25, 1986 after spending 44 years on the Earth. Mulade was joined...