PRESS STATEMENT
RIVERINE COMMUNITIES ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE: A REBUTTAL TO THE COMMUNIQUÉ OF AIGUOBASINMWIN MOVEMENT WORLD-WIDE AND THE COALITION OF BENIN SOCIO-CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For Global Egberi Media International Ltd
The attention of Global Egberi Media International Ltd has been drawn to the communiqué issued following the joint strategic meeting between AIGUOBASINMWIN MOVEMENT WORLD-WIDE, the Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organizations, and the Secretary to the Edo State Government, particularly the demand for the enforcement of the 1983 Supreme Court judgment allegedly vesting ownership of the riverine areas of Ovia North East, Ovia South West, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas in the Benin Royal Palace.
While every socio-cultural organization has the constitutional right to advocate for issues affecting its people, it is imperative that such advocacy does not become a vehicle for historical revisionism, territorial expansionism, or the diminution of the identity, heritage, and legitimate rights of other indigenous ethnic nationalities.
The Riverine Communities Are Indigenous Peoples, Not Appendages
The riverine communities of Egbema, Gbaramatu, Furupagha, Olodiama, Okomu, and other Ijaw settlements are not recent creations, colonial settlements, or territories awaiting ownership by any external institution. They are ancient indigenous communities with rich histories, distinct cultural identities, traditional governance systems, and ancestral occupancy that predate the Nigerian state itself.
No political narrative, administrative pronouncement, or selective interpretation of history can erase the indisputable reality that these communities have existed for centuries as autonomous indigenous peoples.
Ownership of Land Is Not the Ownership of a People
There is a fundamental distinction between legal questions concerning land administration and the inherent rights of indigenous peoples.
Even where judicial pronouncements exist on specific proprietary interests, such pronouncements cannot and should never be interpreted as extinguishing the constitutional rights of communities to their identity, self-determination, traditional institutions, cultural heritage, or participation in governance.
Human beings cannot become subjects of ownership by another ethnic nationality merely because of contested interpretations relating to land.
The Constitution Must Prevail
Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees equality before the law, freedom from discrimination, cultural expression, and the protection of every indigenous community.
Any attempt to employ historical litigation as a basis for political domination, cultural subjugation, or administrative marginalization of riverine communities would run contrary to the spirit of constitutional democracy, national unity, and social justice.
Development Requires Partnership, Not Domination
The future of Edo State will not be secured through territorial assertions or ethnic superiority. Sustainable peace can only flourish where there is mutual respect, inclusiveness, and equitable development.
Riverine communities deserve roads, schools, healthcare, environmental justice, educational opportunities, political inclusion, and infrastructural development—not renewed controversies over ownership narratives.
Government Must Exercise Prudence
We respectfully urge the Edo State Government to approach this sensitive matter with the utmost caution, objectivity, and statesmanship.
Issues affecting indigenous communities require extensive consultations with all affected stakeholders rather than unilateral endorsements capable of generating avoidable ethnic tensions.
Government must remain an impartial custodian of justice for all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity or geographical location.
Our Position Is Unambiguous
The riverine communities are not territories to be claimed, nor are their people political assets to be appropriated.
Their history is authentic.
Their identity is unquestionable.
Their dignity is non-negotiable.
Their constitutional rights are inalienable.
No narrative—however eloquently presented—should diminish the historical existence and legitimate aspirations of the indigenous riverine peoples of Edo State.
Conclusion
Global Egberi Media International Ltd calls upon all stakeholders to embrace dialogue founded on truth, historical accuracy, constitutionalism, and mutual respect.
Edo State’s diversity is its greatest strength. Lasting peace will emerge not from claims of superiority but from justice, equity, recognition, and genuine partnership among all indigenous nationalities.
History must unite us—not divide us.
Justice must elevate every community—not privilege one over another.
The riverine communities will continue to defend their heritage, protect their identity, and pursue peaceful coexistence anchored on fairness, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
Source: Global Egberi Media International Ltd
Website: https://globalegberi.com.ng
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