Our reporter
The Pere of Okomu Kingdom in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, His Royal Majesty Pius Yanbor, has formally sought the intervention of eight prominent traditional rulers of Ijaw extraction.
The monarch, in a statement titled *“The Power of Attorney to Resolve the Lingering Crises in Okomu Kingdom”* and made available to journalists in Benin, revealed that the unrest in the kingdom has persisted for over three years, hampering development and endangering the unity of the community.
“No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour,” HRM Yanbor declared. “The community must seek a peaceful resolution to its crises for the overall wellbeing of all.”
To this end, the monarch has reached out to eight traditional rulers: HRM William Ogoba, HRM Zacheus Egbunu, HRM King Capt. Frank Okiakpe, HRM Joel Ibane, HRM Godwin Ogunoyibo, HRM Gbebokedi Ajirioba, HRM Roman Ikiyouseigha Bohan, and HRM Stephen Oyabebefa Ebikeme. He appealed to them to intervene by identifying both the immediate and remote causes of the conflict and recommending a path to reconciliation.
In response, the eight monarchs have issued a joint statement titled “Memo of Acceptance and Commitment to Support Resolving the Crises in Okomu Kingdom,” confirming their readiness to undertake the peace mission.
Speaking on behalf of the group, HRM William Ogoba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, said the traditional rulers have “joyfully accepted the task” and are united in their resolve to ensure lasting peace returns to Okomu Kingdom.
“On receipt of the request from our brother traditional ruler, HRM Pius Yanbor, we, the undersigned traditional rulers of Ijaw extraction, have unanimously aligned in agreement to take a deep dive into the crises bedevilling Okomu Kingdom,” he stated.
He described their decision as the outcome of “robust engagements” among respected Ijaw monarchs, whose core responsibility remains the promotion of peace and unity across their domains.
“In the spirit of peacebuilding, we commit to offering the necessary support within our powers and in accordance with the law to restore peace and harmony in Okomu Kingdom,” he added.
To fast-track the reconciliation process, the traditional rulers have constituted an 18-member Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee. The committee, chaired by Chief Ajele Sunday, has been charged with the responsibility of engaging all relevant stakeholders to facilitate a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the crisis.
Residents of Okomu and surrounding communities have welcomed the move, expressing hope that the intervention of the revered monarchs would finally put an end to the protracted unrest.
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