ADAM OGOMUGO MARBO PROPOSES TWO PATHWAYS TO PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE BETWEEN IJAWS AND BINIS IN EDO STATE
By Global Egberi Media International
Chief Diplomat Adam Ogomugo Marbo has proposed two major pathways towards achieving lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between the Ijaw and Bini ethnic nationalities in Edo State.
Marbo made the proposal during a live interview on the Global Egberi TV Ofunama Facebook platform, hosted by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, on the topic: “The Ijaw Perspective on the Ijaw-Bini Dispute in Edo State and the Pathway to Peaceful Coexistence Between the Ijaws and Binis in Edo State.”
Two Pathways to Peace
During the interview, Adam Ogomugo Marbo argued that sustainable peace between the two ethnic groups can only be achieved through justice, inclusion and mutual respect. He proposed two possible solutions.
1. Political Inclusion of the Ijaws in Edo State
According to Marbo, one option is for the Edo State government and political institutions to ensure the full political inclusion of the indigenous Ijaw communities in Edo State.
He maintained that political inclusion should involve:
- Fair representation of Ijaw communities in government appointments.
- Recognition of the cultural and historical identity of the Ijaw people.
- Equal access to developmental projects and infrastructure.
- Increased political participation at both state and local government levels.
- Protection of the rights and interests of all ethnic nationalities in Edo State.
Marbo stressed that the Ijaws of Edo State have remained loyal citizens and contributors to the economic development of the state and therefore deserve equitable treatment and representation.
2. Creation of Toru-Ibe State
The second option proposed by the Niger Delta leader is the creation of a proposed Toru-Ibe State that would accommodate the Ijaw communities in Edo State alongside other Ijaw-speaking areas.
He argued that if political inclusion within Edo State proves difficult, constitutional restructuring and state creation could provide a long-term solution to the recurring disputes over identity, land ownership and political representation.
According to him, the proposed Toru-Ibe State would offer the indigenous Ijaw communities greater autonomy in determining their political and developmental future.
Call for Dialogue and Peace
Adam Ogomugo Marbo emphasized that violence, hostility and ethnic confrontation cannot provide lasting solutions to the issues between the Ijaws and Binis.
He called on political leaders, traditional rulers, youth organizations and civil society groups from both ethnic nationalities to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and mutual understanding.
He further urged all parties to focus on:
- Peaceful coexistence.
- Respect for historical realities.
- Economic cooperation.
- Youth empowerment.
- Community development.
- Political justice and fairness.
Need for Constitutional and Political Engagement
The ND-PYLF President noted that the questions surrounding identity, ownership and political representation should be addressed through constitutional means, democratic dialogue and institutional reforms rather than through confrontation.
He maintained that the future of Edo State depends on the ability of its diverse ethnic groups to coexist peacefully while respecting one another’s identities and rights.
Background
The interview formed part of Global Egberi TV Ofunama’s continuing efforts to provide a platform for discussions on the ongoing debate surrounding the relationship between the indigenous Ijaw communities and the Bini people in Edo State.
The programme, hosted by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, examined historical grievances, constitutional issues, identity concerns and possible pathways towards lasting peace and development in the state.
Source: Global Egberi TV Ofunama
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