Egbema Peace Process Gains Momentum as Youth Leaders, Community Chairmen Visit Ajakurama and Abere Communities
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For Global Egberi Media International Ltd
In a significant step towards restoring lasting peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence within Egbema Kingdom, members of the Ad Hoc Peace and Reconciliation Committee on Saturday embarked on a fact-finding and consultation visit to Ajakurama and Abere communities, two autonomous communities in Egbema Kingdom that have been involved in a long-standing dispute.
The peace mission was led by representatives of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Egbema Youth Council, youth leaders, and community chairmen from major autonomous communities across Egbema Kingdom in Edo and Delta States. The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to foster dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding, and establish a sustainable framework for peaceful coexistence between the two sister communities.
During the separate meetings held in Ajakurama and Abere, members of the committee listened attentively to presentations, concerns, grievances, and perspectives from leaders and stakeholders of both communities. The sessions provided an opportunity for the committee to gain deeper insight into the issues at the heart of the dispute while encouraging all parties to embrace peaceful dialogue as the most effective path to resolution.
Speaking after the engagements, members of the committee expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation and openness demonstrated by leaders and representatives of both communities. The committee noted that the discussions were productive, frank, and conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect, reflecting a shared desire among stakeholders to seek a peaceful and lasting solution.
Following the consultations, the committee resolved to undertake further internal deliberations and wider consultations with relevant stakeholders within and outside Egbema Kingdom. These consultations are expected to help shape recommendations that will address the concerns of all parties and promote enduring peace across the kingdom.
The committee further disclosed that a joint meeting involving representatives of Ajakurama and Abere communities will be convened in the shortest possible time. The proposed meeting will also involve critical stakeholders whose contributions are considered essential to achieving a comprehensive and acceptable resolution to the dispute.
Observers have described the development as a positive milestone in the peace-building process, noting that the willingness of both communities to engage constructively demonstrates a commitment to preserving the unity and progress of Egbema Kingdom.
As part of the next phase of the reconciliation process, members of the Ad Hoc Peace and Reconciliation Committee are scheduled to reconvene by 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Ofunama to review the outcome of the consultations and deliberate further on the way forward.
Stakeholders across Egbema Kingdom have continued to express optimism that the ongoing peace initiative will pave the way for reconciliation, strengthen inter-community relations, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood that has historically bound the people of Egbema together.
The committee reiterated its commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and impartiality throughout the reconciliation process, assuring all concerned parties that every effort will be made to ensure that peace, justice, and unity prevail for the collective benefit of present and future generations of Egbema people.
The peace and reconciliation initiative underscores the determination of Egbema leaders, youth organizations, and community stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation rather than conflict, thereby promoting sustainable development, stability, and progress throughout Egbema Kingdom in Edo and Delta States.
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