-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael J. EKOKORUWE:
THE six months land dispute/crisis between Igbide and Emede communities in Isoko South local government area of Delta State that claimed many lives and property worth millions of naira destroyed, have been finally resolved through the intervention of Isoko/Urhobo traditional rulers and leaders of Isoko Development Union.
The peace meeting to restore final peace to the two warring communities convened by leaders of Isoko Development Union at the National Secretariat of Isoko Development Union Oleh, Isoko South local government area, was mediated by Isoko traditional rulers council with nine traditional members led by HRM Anthony Williams O. Ovrawah Omogha 1, the Odiologbo of Oleh kingdom, Chairman Isoko Traditional Rulers Council and HRM Isaac Udogri, the Ovie of Uzere, just as Igbide and Emede communities were represented by 15 members from each community.
While fourteen Urhobo traditional rulers was led by HRM Ovie, Dr. Ogbon Ogoni–Oghoro 1 Royal Cannon OON, the Owhorode of Olomu and Chairman, Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo and HRM F.A. Mujakperuo, Orodje of Okpe.
Presenting a brief on the efforts made by Isoko Development Union mediating team over Igbide and Emede land dispute, the Patron of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe explained that the crisis which started on 8th of December 2020, due to land dispute between the two communities was earlier resolved by Isoko Development Union in conjunction with Isoko South council, Isoko traditional rulers and the Delta State government.
He stated that the land boundary established for both communities in 1987 by Isoko and Urhobo traditional rulers at Ewhokpaso land, Oruzu land , Uziagolo land that were the source of controversy between Igbide and Emede communities were given new land mark demarcation with excavator.
Amadhe maintained that a team that comprised leaders of I.D.U, and members of the two Communities were engaged to do professional boundary demarcation and a canal dug across the marked boundary to serve generations, adding that leaders of both communities were urged to arrest criminals that attempt to frustrate the peace process. Noting that all matters related to the dispute between Igbide and Emede in police and court be withdrawn.
While condemning the recent land dispute crisis between Igbide and Emede communities, the traditional rulers urged representatives of both communities to embrace peace and demanded the enforcement of the oath taken in 1987 to ensure lasting peace in the area.
The Isoko/Urhobo traditional rulers berated leaders of both communities for the crisis and warned that further hostility from any community will receive the wrath of the gods of the land.
The traditional rulers emphasized that the enforcement of the oath signifies final peace among the people, adding that all land disputes and other issues that caused crisis between members of both communities stands resolved. The monarchs stressed that any conflict resolved by the Isoko/Urhobo traditional rulers remained final.
The monarchs urged members of both communities to steer clear of the canals demarcating various land boundaries as the landmarks remained sacrosanct features that cannot be altered.
The highlights of the peace meeting was the exchange of pleasantries by the monarchs of Emede, HRM Johnson Eweri 11, Ovie of Emede and the Regent of Igbide, HRM Michael Onodowho Ovadhe, just as the President General of Igbide and Emede, Dr. Patrick Oboghor and Dr. Okah Avah respectively exchanged pleasantries, signifying final peace to the communities.
Meanwhile, the traditional rulers, leaders of Isoko Development Union, security agencies, representatives of Igbide and Emede communities Isoko South council representative, Prince Demons Ogbaudu, 1st vice president of Isoko Development Union that coordinated the peace meeting and Deacon Gabriel Abighe, S.A. to Governor Okowa on peace building and conflict resolution, visited both communities to reaffirm the final peace in the area.
