The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has firmly dismissed attempts by secessionist agitators to carve out new states through Edo land borders, declaring that no portion of Edo territory will be surrendered under his watch.
The monarch made this declaration on Thursday while receiving members of the Edo State Boundary Committee, led by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, at his palace in Benin City.
He stressed that Edo land remains intact and warned against any attempt to undermine the unity and sovereignty of the state.
Oba Ewuare expressed concern over the growing wave of self-determination agitations, linking them to recent unrest involving suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes) and some junior members of the Benin Traditional Council. He described such actions as destabilizing and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the cultural and territorial heritage of the Edo people.
The monarch pledged full support to the boundary committee, which he praised as comprising distinguished representatives from all three senatorial districts of the state. Offering prayers for their success, he urged them to remain resolute in protecting Edo’s territorial integrity.
“You are distinguished and committed members of this committee. No doubt, you will do everything well for the people of Edo. By the grace of God, we have prayed for you. May God Almighty and our ancestors grant our prayers. Go ahead and do the work well. However, I want to say that this committee should not allow an inch of the state to be taken away for any reason,” Oba Ewuare declared.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rowland Otaru (SAN), lauded the Oba, describing him as one of the most respected traditional rulers globally. He emphasized the importance of the monarch’s guidance in resolving disputes and protecting Edo’s interests.
Deputy Governor Idahosa, in his remarks, sought the Oba’s blessing to enable the committee to fulfill its dual mandates established by Governor Monday Okpebholo. He highlighted grievances against defaulting oil companies that failed to meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, stressing that Edo people must receive their rightful benefits.
“Every oil well and Edo resource that has been unlawfully ceded will be returned to the state under the guidance of the Oba,” Idahosa assured.
Idahosa disclosed that the committee is currently handling 187 intra- and inter-state boundary disputes, with 90 percent inherited from previous administrations. He attributed the backlog to political turbulence between former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, which stalled progress in resolving disputes.
He reaffirmed the committee’s determination to address these conflicts and restore fairness to communities affected by boundary issues.