EDO IJAW/BINI FACEOFF: Gen. Ogidigba Calls for Calm, Urges Edo Governor to Create Development Centres and Approve Staff of Office for Ijaw Traditional Rulers
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
The National Chairman of Phase Three Amnesty Beneficiaries, General Godstime Ogidigba, has appealed to both the Bini and Ijaw ethnic nationalities in Edo State to embrace peace, mutual understanding and constructive dialogue amid the growing tensions surrounding the ongoing land and boundary disputes in some parts of the state.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, August 1, 2026, General Ogidigba urged all parties involved in the disagreement to refrain from inflammatory comments and social media attacks capable of escalating the situation, stressing that both ethnic groups have coexisted peacefully for several generations.
According to him, peace remains invaluable and should be protected at all costs, particularly in a multi-ethnic state like Edo, where different communities have lived together and contributed significantly to the development of the state.
General Ogidigba called on the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to urgently intervene by facilitating peaceful dialogue between the affected communities and addressing some of the longstanding concerns of the Ijaw people in Edo State.
He specifically appealed to the governor to consider the creation of three development centres for the Ijaw ethnic nationality from parts of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Ovia North-East Local Government Area and Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
According to the Amnesty leader, the establishment of the proposed development centres would promote inclusive governance, accelerate grassroots development and provide the Ijaw communities with greater opportunities for administrative participation and socio-economic growth.
General Ogidigba also appealed to the state government to approve and issue staff of office to the traditional rulers overseeing the affairs of the five Ijaw kingdoms in Edo State, noting that such recognition would strengthen traditional institutions and foster lasting peace and unity across the region.
Speaking on the recent disputes surrounding boundaries and territorial claims, General Ogidigba maintained that disagreements over boundaries are not uncommon in Nigeria and should not be viewed as peculiar to the Gelegele-Gbene axis alone.
He explained that similar disagreements have occurred between neighbouring Ijaw communities as well as among Bini communities, emphasizing that peaceful dialogue and government intervention remain the most effective means of resolving such conflicts.
“The issue of boundary adjustment is common in many parts of the country and should not be allowed to divide communities that have lived together peacefully for decades,” he stated.
He further noted that the Ijaw ethnic nationality possesses a unique language, culture and traditional heritage distinct from those of the Bini people, adding that the recognition of their traditional institutions would enhance cultural preservation and strengthen the spirit of inclusiveness in Edo State.
General Ogidigba reiterated that the Ijaw people are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens who have maintained cordial relationships with their neighbours while contributing immensely to the economic and social development of Edo State.
He, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups and government authorities to prioritise peace, dialogue and mutual respect in addressing the issues surrounding the disputes.
The Amnesty leader expressed optimism that with sincere engagement and decisive government action, lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between the Ijaw and Bini ethnic nationalities would be sustained for future generations.
Source: Statement signed by General Godstime Ogidigba, National Chairman, Phase Three Amnesty Beneficiaries, on August 1, 2026.
Published by: Global Egberi Media International Ltd.
Report by: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi.
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This is a great developmental pursuit. If implemented, it will bring about rapid growth and development to these 3 LGAs; the Udo/Ofunana Road construction will also get a phase lift.