The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has dismissed secessionist agitators’ plans to create new states through Edo land borders, affirming that no part of Edo land will be ceded.
Ewuare II clarified that no part of Edo land will be ceded.
He spoke while addressing concerns raised by members of the Edo State Boundary Committee, led by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, during a visit to the Oba’s Palace on Thursday.
He informed authorities, including the Federal Government, that Edo land would remain intact.
Oba Ewuare expressed surprise at the surge in self-determination agitations, linking it to a recent rebellion staged by suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes), including lower-ranking members of the Benin Traditional Council.
He pledged his support to the boundary committee, which he described as comprising distinguished personalities from all three senatorial districts, and offered prayers for their success.
No doubt, you will do everything well for the people of Edo.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rowland Otaru, SAN, praised the Oba, affirming he remained one of the most respected and outstanding in the world.
Earlier, addressing the Oba, Idahosa sought the Oba’s blessing to achieve the committee’s dual mandates, set up by Gov. Monday Okpebholo.
He highlighted injustices arising from oil companies’ defaulting in the state, particularly regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which denied Edo people their rightful benefits under the law.
He assured that the 187 intra- and inter-state conflicts before the boundary committee were being addressed.
Idahosa noted that 90 per cent of the cases were inherited from past administrations.
He explained, “Gov. Okpebholo’s administration inherited ninety per cent of the 187 boundary dispute cases.
