Promote Peace, Not Division, Inegbeniki Tells Asari Dokubo

By Rosemary Okoduwa

A prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, has cautioned Rivers State traditional ruler, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, against making statements capable of inciting tension between the Ijaw people and their Benin neighbours in Edo State.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Tuesday, Inegbeniki described Dokubo’s recent remarks as unnecessary, ill-advised, and potentially harmful to the long-standing peaceful relationship between the two ethnic groups.

The Egbedi of Ozoro Kingdom urged Dokubo to use his position as a traditional leader to promote peace, unity, and dialogue rather than make comments that could fuel division and discord.

According to him, the Ijaw and Benin people in Edo State have enjoyed decades of cordial relations built on mutual respect, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence.
“There has been a harmonious relationship between the Ijaws in Edo State and their Benin neighbours, and this bond must be preserved and strengthened,” he said.

Inegbeniki, who was recently inducted into the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), stressed that traditional rulers and community leaders have a responsibility to use their influence to foster peace, stability, and development across the Niger Delta region.

The Edo Central-born politician, businessman, and Board of Trustees member of HOSTCOM warned that inflammatory statements could breed resentment and create unnecessary tension between the Ijaw and Benin communities.

“The viral video by HRM Asari Dokubo, in which he suggested that Edo State is next, is spreading rapidly and has the potential to pitch the Ijaws against their Benin brothers in Edo State. At a time like this, we should be preaching peace, love, and unity for the overall benefit of the Niger Delta region,” he stated.

Inegbeniki further noted that the Benin people, under the leadership of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, have maintained a peaceful and accommodating relationship with the Ijaw people over the years.

He added that both ethnic groups have intermarried, worked together, and contributed collectively to the political, economic, and social development of Edo State.
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the state, he recalled that an Ijaw woman, Mrs. Asemota, recently emerged as a strong contender for the Edo South Senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He appealed to all parties to channel grievances through established and peaceful mechanisms, emphasizing that dialogue and mutual understanding have always been effective tools for resolving disputes in the region.

“If there is any misunderstanding, our Ijaw brothers know the proper channels through which such matters can be resolved amicably. We have always settled issues through dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding,” he added.

Inegbeniki called on leaders across the Niger Delta to prioritize peace, strengthen inter-ethnic harmony, and avoid actions or statements capable of undermining the unity and stability of the region.