News

Alagbabunafa 5th Anniversary: INC President Talks Tough, Says Edo Ijaw Not Alone

Published

3 years ago

November 15, 2022

Editor

Prof. Okaba (2nd left) during the coronation anniversary

The President, Ijaw National Congress, INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has sent a strong warning to those marginalising the Ijaw speaking people in Edo State to desist, warning that they (Ijaw in Edo) are not alone.

The INC president gave the warning in Ikoro, traditional headquarters of Olodiama kingdom in Edo State at the 5th coronation anniversary of the Pere of the kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Godwin Ogunoyibo, Alagbabunafa III.

Prof.Okaba who stated that the Ijaw nation is aware of efforts made to change names of Ijaw communities in Edo State and also stop development to Ijaw communities, warned that the Ijaw nation is keenly watching events as they unfold.

While noting that the Olodiama Ijaw and the entire Ijaw in Edo State are not alone, the INC President said: “Today, we want to make it clear that our people in Edo State are not alone. An injury to one Olodiama man, is an injury to over 15 million Ijaw people.

“The Ijaw people are the Aboriginal owners of this place, Ijaw man is not a stranger in Olodiama; the Ijaw man is not a tenant in Olodiama, this is our home – original home, and no body, I repeat, no body can change that fact.

“We are not oblivious to various efforts made by government and other kings not to recognise our kings, we don’t want their recognition. Kings are made by the people, not the government, government alone make the formality. So, when the people make their kings, the Ijaw nation will give the backing.

“We are aware of the various efforts made to change the names of our communities. We are also aware of the various efforts made to stop development to this place, we are watching,” he added.

The INC President who doubles as Chairman of the coronation anniversary, while expressing his joy for the anniversary and the unity exhibited among Ijaw people, said Olodiama kingdom is an ancient kingdom that was gazetted in the early 70s hence no one can change it.

He added: “Today is a day of joy because our king is five years old in the throne, and from the record, this particular throne was officially recognised in 1973, several years ago. It was gazetted, and recognised, so the recognition is from the beginning.

“So, it is not a kingdom of yesterday. It is a kingdom that has the recognition of government from Midwest, to Bendel then to Edo. So, the present Edo State Government does not have the capacity to do otherwise. This throne must be recognised.”

Present at the 5th coronation anniversary were Ijaw kings from Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Ondo states, namely: the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, Aketekpe, Oboro Gbaraun II; His Royal Majesty, Roman Bohan, Atunkpokubu XIII, the Pere of Furupagha kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Joel Ekeni Ibani, the Ogiobo IX, the Pere of Iduwini kingdom.

Others include: His Royal Majesty, Egbesuwei Gbaraun X, the Pere of Gbaraun kingdom, Bayelsa State; His Royal Majesty, Gbebokedi Ajiri-Oba, the Pere of Tubutoru and their chiefs.

The Agadagba of Arogbo-Ijaw in Ondo state and other kings who were not present sent their high chiefs and highneses.

Ijaw musicians – Barrister Smooth and Abobra were also present at the anniversary to thrill dignitaries with melodious Ijaw music.

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

49 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.