WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE PAPER: THE IJAW QUESTION IN EDO STATE, THE TORU-IBE STATE AGITATION, AND THE DANGER OF HISTORICAL MISREPRESENTATION
WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE PAPER:
THE IJAW QUESTION IN EDO STATE, THE TORU-IBE STATE AGITATION, AND THE DANGER OF HISTORICAL MISREPRESENTATION
Presented by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International
12 December 2025
INTRODUCTION
Today’s press briefing addresses two critical developments that demand clarity, truth, and responsible leadership. First, the misleading submissions made by Hon. Omosede Igbinedion and Mr. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi during the debate on the proposed Toru-Ibe State. Second, the persistent attempts by some political actors in Edo State to distort or overwrite the historical identity and autonomy of Ijaw communities.
This statement sets the record straight and defends the constitutional rights of the Ijaw people in Edo State.
IJAW COMMUNITIES IN EDO STATE HAVE THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE THEIR FUTURE
The motion raised in the House of Representatives was heavily one-sided and historically inaccurate. The claim that riverine communities such as Ughoton, Siloko, Aghamioba, Udo (Okomu), Ologbo, Obazuwa, Ekewan, Ikoro, and others belong to the Benin Kingdom ignores well-documented realities.
Ijaw communities predate the creation of Edo State. Their political systems—Arogbo, Egbema, Olodiama, Gbaramatu, and others—existed as independent and self-governing units long before colonial boundaries.
Trade with the Benin Kingdom does not translate to subjugation. Neighbourliness is not ownership. No one can rewrite history because it suits political interests.
THE MISREPRESENTATIONS BY HON. OMOSEDE AND HON. MURPHY
The contributions made by the two legislators were disappointing and lacked historical depth. Their submissions represent a long-standing pattern of denial used to diminish Ijaw identity. It is alarming that elected officials could present arguments rooted in sentiment rather than fact.
This calls once again for the Federal Government to restore History as a compulsory subject in schools. Leaders must speak from knowledge, not emotion.
COLONIAL DOCUMENTS CONFIRM IJAW INDIGENEITY
British intelligence reports, including those by H. F. Marshall, formally recognized Ijaw settlements as indigenous and autonomous. These findings led to the establishment of three Ijaw Native Court Areas:
These were not temporary administrative divisions but formal recognition of Ijaw identity. No modern-day political propaganda can erase this.
PEACE MUST NOT BE MISTAKEN FOR WEAKNESS
For decades, Ijaw communities in Edo State have endured political marginalisation, census suppression, infrastructural neglect, and administrative restrictions. They have chosen peace despite provocation, but peace must not be used as a weapon to silence their rightful aspirations.
The Ijaw people will defend their constitutional rights through peaceful and legitimate means. No one should interpret their patience as weakness.
TORU-IBE STATE: A LEGITIMATE AND CONSTITUTIONAL ASPIRATION
The pursuit of Toru-Ibe State is not a threat to the Benin Kingdom. It is an expression of:
Every community has the right to choose its administrative alignment. No group has the moral or constitutional authority to speak on behalf of Ijaw communities without their consent.
STOP POLITICAL INTIMIDATION
The remarks made by certain lawmakers were careless and provocative, but the Ijaw people will not be dragged into unnecessary conflict. They will continue to champion their rights through due process.
Nigeria’s unity must be built on justice, not intimidation or selective history.
CONCLUSION
The Ijaw people of Edo State are indigenous, historically grounded, and constitutionally protected. Their identity cannot be erased by political rhetoric or parliamentary theatrics. The call for Toru-Ibe State is a legitimate expression of self-determination, and no one can silence the voice of the Ijaw nation.
Comments