The chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta state, Friday Ovoke Warri, has sounded a word of warning to prospective candidates for the throne of Igbide kingdom to refrain from exploiting the kingship dispute to instigate crisis in the area.
Warri who heeded down the warning during a peace meeting with select traditional rulers, security agencies, clergy, and stakeholders from the Igbide community at his office in Oleh, headquarters of the council to address the recent crisis in the Igbide community, condemned in its entirety the recent disturbance at Igbide describing it as most unfortunate for community peace and progress.
According to Warri, if any supporter of any of the aspiring kinship candidates cause further destruction of property, government will hold the individual accountable, rather than the supporter, adding that “To avert a crisis in Igbide in 2025, we must prioritise peace. Peace is crucial for development and progress, and it is essential that the four aspirants reflect on their actions and instruct their supporters to exercise restraint. Let us abandon violence and pursue peace.”
Also speaking, HRM Isaac Udogri, the Ovie of Uzere kingdom, stated that kingship, although a desirable institution, is often marred by power struggles, emphasising that violence should never be an option, as it can lead to crises and instability within the kingdom.
Also speaking, Dan Odhomo, vice president of Isoko Development Union, (IDU), expressed disappointment over the events unfolding at Igbide and described it as shameful, even as he advised Igbide leaders to address their issues in a peaceful and amicable manner.
“Exercise control over your people, particularly the youths responsible for destroying properties in Igbide. A monarch must be chosen from among the candidates vying for the throne in Igbide. If everyone perishes, who will the monarch govern as a traditional leader? Odhomo added
The Commander of the 181 Battalion, Lt. Col. Dabo, expressed concerns and called on stakeholders to promote peace and respect for his personnel, warning that attacks on soldiers would not be tolerated, referencing the Okuama community incident where top military officers died in a peacekeeping effort.
On behalf of Igbide stakeholders, D.S. Edegware, a one-time president general, stated that they are pained by the situation. However, as law-abiding citizens, they await the court’s judgement, as the matter is before the court. “We will await the court’s judgement and advise our youths”, he said.
