News

Edo: Ijaw Community Cries Out Over Marginalisation, Neglect, Others

Published

2 years ago

November 30, 2023

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Okomu

The indigenous people of Okomu in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State have decried what they described as “continuous neglect and marginalisation” of the area.

They lamented that despite being an ancient community that plays host to a National Park and an international oil palm company, the community and the ones under it are completely neglected and oppressed.

Speaking with INFO DAILY, Mr. Friday Atele, a community leader said what the Indigenes expected from Okomu Oil Palm Company when it came on board in 1976 is quite different from what is being experienced presently.

“When the Okomu Oil Palm Company came in 1976, we expected development and impact in our communities, but rather, we are experiencing the other way round. Now, all our communities have been driven to the river,” he said.

On the National Park, Atele said: “When the National Park came up with their expansion bid, the people of Okomu told them that the land belongs to them, and that they don’t need to expand it, but they refused. Our communities are being threatened day and night.”

He further lamented: “The National Park presently uses arms and ammunition to threaten our communities that they want to take over the land, and that the government said they want to make use of the land. When we are not from Ghana, we are Nigerians for crying out load. If not that we are peace-loving people, there would have been crisis in the state as experienced in the North.”

According to him, Okomu community has over 35 communities under it with an estimated population of over 15,000, yet no government presence, neither do they have telecommunication to communicate in the area.

“...Despite the large population and a host to the oil palm company and National Park, we have no network in our communities.

“For instance, due to lack of network, we were unable to register many persons during the last voter registration. We have about 15,000 population, all put together from our different communities, but we managed to have only 1,000 persons registered during the last registration. These are the challenges we are facing in this kingdom,” he lamented.

On his part, Chief Freeman Cousin, while lamenting the neglect of the area, identified Edo State Government’s refusal to recognise the Okomu people as a unique and indigenous people, as a major challenge the area is facing.

He added: “I want to say irrespective of the Ijaw man’s position in government, he should be recognised. As you can see, we have no access road to take us to the city. We are being marginalised. Is it because we have no people in power?

“Okomu is an ancient community not only in Nigeria but in West Africa. It is a recognised ancient community. Significantly, we have our own native authorities, even in the then pre-colonial era, so why giving us the needed recognition in the state a rocket science?” he questioned.

He, therefore, “called on the Federal Government to intervene because the state government claims we are tenants, but I dispute that claim. We are not tenants to anybody; we did not meet anybody here, we came on our own.”

Also, Chief Tamarauetunemi Makilolo, added: “Come to Okomu, you can’t see any government projects. We are being neglected and oppressed. They call us tenants but I make bold to say that we are not tenants to anybody. We are aborigines here. Our forebears were here even befy the colonial masters came. Our forebears ferried them with boat to the interland. So, how come a people who have occupied a place for centuries are tenants? Those claiming this must be jokers!”

News

INEC CVR: CSO Expresses Worry Over Poor Deployment Of Machines, Manpower To LGs In Edo

Published

3 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has expressed worry over the poor deployment of capturing machines and manpower to Igueben Local Government Area of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing Ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

The Coordinator, EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre, Leftist Enabulele Larry, and Secretary, Leftist Mark Akande expressed the CSO sentiment when the duo visited the INEC headquarters in Igueben where the CBR in the local government is taking place.

In a statement made available to INFO DAILY on Friday, the leadership of EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre condemned the “use of only two capturing devices in a local government with over 69, 396 in population.”

The duo noted in the statement that their findings at the INEC headquarters revealed two capturing machines were deployed to each local government across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The civil society members said INEC excuse of deploying two capturing machines to each local government was not germane enough because many do not have a computer or android phone to do the online registration INEC gave as an excuse.

“The question here is, what is the percentage of our people mostly the aged individuals, that have access to Android mobile and other internet gadgets in Edo state?

“How many people can afford internet data to enable them have access internet services in Edo state under the current excruciating economic pains by the people?

“How many of the Edo people can even manipulate the Android mobile phone to the extent of navigating the internet hurdles to undertake the job is INEC? If INEC is not ready for the job, they should tell Nigerians.

“If citizens are now advised to individually undertake the statutory job of INEC, of what purpose does the commission serve to the people? etc,” they said.

As at when filing this report, INFO DAILY was yet to get a reply from the message sent to the INEC in Edo for reaction.

News

Edo Sports Commission Boss Celebrates Okpehbolo On Birthday

Published

8 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has felicated with Governor Monday Okpebholo, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele Okpebholo as a visionary leader whose dedication to the growth and development of the state has continued to inspire confidence and admiration across all sectors, especially sports.

Enabulele, who highlighted the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sports development, noted that under his leadership, Edo State has witnessed significant strides in grassroots sporting initiatives and infrastructure.

“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not just a political leader but a beacon of hope for the younger generation.

“His passion for excellence and inclusive governance is evident in the way he has continued to support policies that uplift our youths and promote sporting excellence,” the statement read.

The Executive Chairman prayed for long life, good health, and continued wisdom for the governor as he steers the affairs of the state towards greater prosperity.

“On behalf of the entire Edo State Sports Commission, I extend our warmest birthday wishes to His Excellency at 55. May this new chapter of his life be filled with more accomplishments and divine grace,” he added.

News

Oba Of Benin Suspends Palace Chiefs

Published

18 hours ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has suspended two of his chiefs for falling for dereliction of duties.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor and made available to journalists in Benin City.

He said their suspension was as a result of their long absence from the palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their palace responsibilities.

The suspended persons are: Chief John Igiehon, the Izuwako of Benin and chief Aimiukpomonyako Oghogho (Ebengho), the Oyenmwensoba of Benin.

“The under-mentioned two (2) chiefs have been suspended from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“This is as a result of their long absence from the Palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their Palace responsibilities.

“The public is advised to be wary of unscrupulous chiefs that are no longer functioning in the Palace. His Royal Majesty has approved their _ Suspension and directed the public be duly informed.

“The names of the chiefs are: – ; 1. CHIEF JOHN IGIEHON, THE IZUWAKO OF BENIN and, _ 2 CHIEF AIMIUKPOMONYAKO OGHOGHO (EBENGHO), THE OYENMWENSOBA OF BENIN”, the statement said.