Egbema Kingdom Calls for Dialogue Over Abere–Ajakurama Land Dispute: A Historical Plea for Justice and Cultural Recognition
Egbema Kingdom Calls for Dialogue Over Abere–Ajakurama Land Dispute: A Historical Plea for Justice and Cultural Recognition
AUTHOR:
Dr Odimientimi Agbedeyi
The ancient Egbema Kingdom has formally responded to the recent public directive issued by Hon. Dennis Idahosa, following the land conflict between the communities of Abere and Ajakurama. The statement, which classified the disputed area as a Government Forest Reserve and directed both parties to vacate the territory, has raised significant historical and cultural concerns from leaders and youths within the Kingdom.
In a respectful and well-documented appeal addressed to Hon. Dennis Idahosa, signed by Justice Ujoju, President of the Ugbolukanga Youth Forum, the Egbema people have called for clarity, dialogue, and historical recognition.
According to the letter, the land in dispute is not merely a geographical space for farming or administrative allocation—it represents centuries of identity, ancestry, and the uninterrupted habitation of the Ijaw people long before colonial boundaries and the modern Nigerian state were created.
The Egbema Kingdom, one of the oldest pre-colonial Ijaw settlements, traces its origins and territorial jurisdiction thousands of years into the history of the Niger Delta region. The communities of Abere and Ajakurama, according to available oral traditions and historical records, are part of the larger ancestral territory that has been preserved through collective custody rather than individual ownership.
Justice Ujoju stressed that while the government retains the constitutional authority to designate areas as forest reserves or conservation zones, such classifications must not invalidate traditional ownership of indigenous communities. He pointed out that forest reserve policies began during the colonial era—many centuries after the establishment of Egbema settlements.
The letter was careful to maintain a tone of respect, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to peace and cooperation with state authorities. It emphasized that the intention of the Kingdom is not to defy government directives, but to ensure that decisions are made with factual cultural understanding.
“Our intention is not to challenge the authority of government, but to ensure that decisions made are based on accurate historical and cultural understanding,” the statement noted.
Amid rising tensions between the affected communities, the Egbema leadership believes that continued misunderstanding could affect peace and communal stability. For this reason, they have called for a dialogue involving all relevant stakeholders—government officials, community leaders, and traditional authorities—to resolve the dispute with fairness and historical truth.
In their concluding remarks, the Egbema youths reiterated their loyalty to the government, while appealing for recognition of their ancestral rights:
“We remain committed to peace, cooperation, and respect for the government. It is equally important that the identity, history, and rightful ownership of Egbema lands are accurately acknowledged.”
The call from the Egbema Kingdom is a reminder that land, especially in indigenous societies, is not only an asset—it is heritage, memory, and the living foundation of cultural existence.
As the conversation continues, observers hope that leadership on all sides will embrace dialogue, knowing that peace built on truth is stronger than peace built on silence.
TAGS:
Egbema Kingdom, Land Dispute, Niger Delta, Abere, Ajakurama, Dr Odimientimi Agbedeyi, Justice Ujoju, Edo State Politics, Ijaw History
FACEBOOK CAPTION:
Egbema Kingdom responds to Hon. Dennis Idahosa over the Abere–Ajakurama land dispute, insisting on ancestral ownership and calling for peaceful dialogue. Read the full report by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi.
Source: Statement by Justice Ujoju, President, Ugbolukanga Youth Forum.
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