Chief Donben Doyegha Condemns Alleged Exclusion of Critical Edo Ijaw Stakeholders from Meeting with Governor
By Media Desk, GlobalEgberiTV Ofunama
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE — Chief General Donben Doyegha has strongly condemned what he described as an alleged “divide-and-rule” approach by the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Benin City Chapter, particularly Chief Ogunkoru, over the representation of the Ijaw people of Edo State at a meeting with the Edo State Governor at the Government House.
Chief Doyegha made his position known in a personal message sent to Global Egberi Media International Ltd, expressing deep disappointment over what he described as the sidelining of himself and other critical Ijaw stakeholders in the state from a meeting he considered too important to be conducted without broad-based consultation.
According to him, the meeting with the governor was of significant importance, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing concerns and tensions surrounding relations between Ijaw and Bini communities in Edo State. He argued that any engagement intended to address such sensitive matters ought to involve credible and representative stakeholders who are directly connected to the Ijaw communities and issues within the state.
Chief Doyegha alleged that rather than informing and involving him and other key Ijaw stakeholders resident in Edo State, the INC leadership in Benin City allegedly invited individuals whom he claimed were either not from Edo State or were not resident in the state to participate in the meeting.
He described the development as unacceptable and questioned the rationale behind excluding individuals who, according to him, have been actively involved in matters affecting the Ijaw people of Edo State.
“This Is Not Acceptable”
Chief Doyegha expressed concern that the exclusion of key stakeholders could undermine the credibility and effectiveness of any position presented to the Edo State Government on behalf of the Ijaw people.
He maintained that the Ijaw community in Edo State is diverse and that no single individual, chapter or group should unilaterally assume the authority to speak for the entire Ijaw population without adequate consultation.
His concern, he said, was not merely about personal recognition or participation, but about ensuring that the collective interests, grievances and aspirations of the Ijaw people across Edo State are properly articulated.
He therefore called on the Edo State Governor to exercise caution in dealing with representations purportedly made on behalf of the Ijaw people, insisting that those who attended the meeting could not, in his view, adequately represent the broad spectrum of Ijaw stakeholders in the state.
Call for a More Inclusive Engagement
Chief Doyegha appealed to the Edo State Governor to convene a fresh and more inclusive meeting involving critical Ijaw stakeholders from across the state.
He argued that a broader consultation would provide an opportunity for different Ijaw communities, leaders, youth representatives, traditional stakeholders and other relevant groups to present their perspectives directly to the government.
According to him, inclusiveness is essential if the government is genuinely committed to finding a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the concerns being raised by the Ijaw people.
He emphasized that issues involving inter-ethnic relations and community interests require sensitivity, transparency and extensive consultation rather than selective engagement.
Peace and Lasting Resolution
Chief Doyegha’s intervention comes at a time when concerns surrounding relations between Ijaw and Bini communities in Edo State have generated increasing calls for dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful resolution.
He stressed that the objective should not be to deepen divisions or create competing blocs of representation, but to establish a platform where all legitimate stakeholders can contribute meaningfully to the search for peace.
He called on the government and relevant Ijaw leadership structures to prioritize dialogue and avoid actions that could further alienate sections of the community.
Chief Doyegha also urged Ijaw leaders to place the collective interest of the people above personal, sectional or organizational considerations, arguing that unity and effective representation are indispensable to achieving meaningful outcomes in negotiations with government and other stakeholders.
Representation Must Reflect the People
The General maintained that effective representation must be rooted in the realities of the people being represented. He questioned the wisdom of excluding critical stakeholders who live in, understand and directly participate in the affairs of Ijaw communities in Edo State.
He appealed to the INC leadership, particularly its Benin City Chapter, to embrace a more consultative approach in future engagements involving the Edo Ijaw community.
Chief Doyegha further urged stakeholders to avoid actions capable of creating resentment among Ijaw leaders and groups, warning that perceived exclusion could weaken collective efforts toward resolving the issues confronting the people.
A Fresh Opportunity for Dialogue
While condemning what he described as the alleged exclusion, Doyegha’s central appeal was for a fresh opportunity for dialogue.
He called on the Edo State Government to initiate a comprehensive engagement that would bring together the various legitimate Ijaw stakeholders in the state, with a view to hearing their concerns directly and establishing a mutually acceptable framework for addressing them.
He maintained that an inclusive approach would not only strengthen confidence among the Ijaw people but could also contribute significantly to peaceful coexistence between the Ijaw and Bini communities.
Chief Doyegha ultimately appealed to all parties to approach the situation with restraint, maturity and a commitment to peace, stressing that the prevailing concerns should be resolved through dialogue rather than actions capable of widening existing divisions.
Global Egberi Media International Ltd reports that the allegations and concerns expressed in this report are those attributed to Chief General Donben Doyegha in his personal communication to the media organisation. The INC Benin City Chapter and Chief Ogunkoru were not quoted as responding to the allegations in the information available for this report. Their response or clarification, if received, will be accorded appropriate attention.
Reporter: Media Desk
GlobalEgberiTV Ofunama
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
Website: https://globalegberi.com.ng/wp
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I thought they called a general meeting from all the kingdoms to send representative for them to meet at Egbema to discuss the issue at hand and in that view, they went for the meeting. Meanwhile if INC benin chapter is meeting with the governor, concerning peaceful resolution, they are a body trusted to do that because they represent the Ijaw council worldwide in the state. my question is y is chief Donyegha not participating in their meetings? Because if he was, he would have been aware of the meeting and not be left behind hence there won’t be this sort of report dragging ourselves publicly. Shameful. Every leader should do what is expected of them. Put aside personal opinions and lead humbly. The 360° leadership is needed in Ijaw leaders circle. They also lack one of the greatest form of leadership; “the leader without a title.”