High Chief Gen. Peres Goki Ejune Calls for Peace, Cautions Ijaws and Binis Against Inflammatory Statements on Gelegele Dispute
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
High Chief General Hon. Peres Goki Ejune, an ex-agitator from Ajakurama and Ofunama communities in Egbema Kingdom, Edo State, has appealed to both the Ijaw and Bini ethnic nationalities to refrain from making statements capable of igniting ethnic tensions over the ongoing Gelegele dispute.
General Ejune made the appeal during a telephone conversation with Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Egberi TV, in which he emphasized the need for caution, restraint, and peaceful coexistence among the people of Edo State.
According to him, the ongoing debates surrounding Gelegele should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility or ethnic conflict, stressing that both ethnic groups have coexisted for decades and must continue to promote peace and understanding.
He warned political actors, youth groups, and community stakeholders against the use of provocative comments that could escalate tensions and threaten the peace of the state.
Speaking on recent comments credited to King Asari Dokubo, General Ejune clarified that the Niger Delta leader never called for war or violence. Rather, he explained that King Asari’s position was focused on the need for infrastructural development and political inclusion of the Ijaw people of Edo State.
According to General Ejune, the demands being canvassed by King Asari should be understood within the context of the long-standing aspirations of the Ijaw people for equitable development, political representation, and greater inclusion in governance.
He noted that calls for infrastructural development and political participation should not be interpreted as a declaration of hostility against any ethnic group, adding that peaceful dialogue remains the best approach for addressing grievances and promoting mutual understanding.
The former agitator further urged community leaders, youths, and opinion moulders from both the Ijaw and Bini nations to exercise caution in their public engagements and avoid comments capable of inflaming passions.
“The peace and stability of Edo State must remain our collective priority. We must avoid statements that can trigger ethnic crisis and instead embrace dialogue and understanding,” he reportedly stated during the telephone conversation.
General Ejune stressed that the historical relationship between the Ijaw and Bini people should not be undermined by divisive rhetoric, calling on all stakeholders to pursue peaceful solutions to the issues surrounding Gelegele.
He also appealed to the Edo State Government, traditional institutions, and other relevant authorities to encourage constructive engagement among all parties involved in order to preserve peace and foster harmonious coexistence.
General Ejune concluded by urging youths from both ethnic groups to shun violence and embrace peace, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity, tolerance, and cooperation.
Source: Telephone conversation between High Chief General Hon. Peres Goki Ejune and Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, CEO, Global Egberi TV.
Report by: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, Global Egberi Media International Ltd.
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