Leaders from five Ijaw kingdoms in Edo State have formally accused the state government and the palace of the Oba of Benin of marginalisation, demanding official recognition for their communities.
The group of traditional rulers raised the issue publicly, citing a lack of adequate acknowledgment and inclusion in state affairs. They contend that their kingdoms have been systematically sidelined by both the executive arm of the government and the historic Benin monarchy.
The demand for recognition marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Ijaw leadership and the established political and traditional structures in Edo State. By targeting both the state government and the Oba’s palace, the leaders are highlighting a dual front of perceived exclusion.
While specific details of the proposed recognition were not elaborated in the initial report, the core grievance remains the assertion of marginalisation. The leaders are seeking to rectify what they describe as a historical and ongoing oversight of their status and rights within the state.
Edo State is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Edo and the Ijaw, who have historically navigated complex relationships with the central authority of the Oba of Benin. This latest development underscores the continuing efforts by minority traditional rulers to secure a more prominent role in state governance and cultural representation.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>