Ijaws are part of Edo State and not under Benin Kingdom--by Benjamin Ofiyai
President,Citizens of Egbema Kingdom Benjamin Ofiyai, in an online write up, made a point on some distinguishing factors concerning the Ijaws in Edo Sate. And emphasized why, Ijaws in Edo State should be respected and be treated as independent tribe in Edo state.
Before the current Oba of Benin assumed office this year or early last year, the Ijaws in Ovia had their Kings - the Pere of Olodiama and the Agadagba of Egbema. Pere of Olodiama, Mid-Western State of Nigeria Gazette, No. 56, Vol. 10 dated 10th October 1973,State Traditional N.S.L.N. 62 of 1973, the Constitution (Suspension and Modification) Decree, 1966, Iyekuselu District Council (Appointment of Chieftaincy Committee) Order, 1973 gave a legal backing to the Pere of Olodiama with his seat at Ikoro, in Olodiama Clan. The Agadagba of Egbema, The Bendel State Traditional Rulers and Chief Edict 1979, extraordinary Gazette No. 51 Vol. 16 of September 28, 1979 gave a legal teeth to the Agadagba of Egbema with four ruling villages.It is on record that Late Oba Akenzuwa II of blessed memory sent the father of present Oba in 1953 to Ikoro to Represent him in the installation of the Pere of Olodiama {the traditional head of the Ijaws} these were the points listed by the CCEk president, that, Ijaws Are Part Of Edo State and Not Under Benin Kingdom.
Before the current Oba of Benin assumed office this year or early last year, the Ijaws in Ovia had their Kings - the Pere of Olodiama and the Agadagba of Egbema. Pere of Olodiama, Mid-Western State of Nigeria Gazette, No. 56, Vol. 10 dated 10th October 1973,State Traditional N.S.L.N. 62 of 1973, the Constitution (Suspension and Modification) Decree, 1966, Iyekuselu District Council (Appointment of Chieftaincy Committee) Order, 1973 gave a legal backing to the Pere of Olodiama with his seat at Ikoro, in Olodiama Clan. The Agadagba of Egbema, The Bendel State Traditional Rulers and Chief Edict 1979, extraordinary Gazette No. 51 Vol. 16 of September 28, 1979 gave a legal teeth to the Agadagba of Egbema with four ruling villages.It is on record that Late Oba Akenzuwa II of blessed memory sent the father of present Oba in 1953 to Ikoro to Represent him in the installation of the Pere of Olodiama {the traditional head of the Ijaws} these were the points listed by the CCEk president, that, Ijaws Are Part Of Edo State and Not Under Benin Kingdom.
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