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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Lawmakers from Edo South senatorial district in the House of Representatives have rejected calls for the creation of Toru-Be State from Ovia and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas of Edo State.
The lawmakers who listed Ughoton, Siluko, Aghamioba, Udo (Okomu), Ekewan, Ikoro, Obazuwa, Ologbo, and surrounding riverine areas as communities from where the proposed Toru-Be state would be created from, argued that the communities were foundational to the Benin Kingdom and held deep ancestral, historical as well as cultural significance to the Edo people.
Their position was contained in a motion sponsored by Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion and supported by Eseosa Iyawe, Murphy Osaro Omoruyi and Chief Billy Osawaru.
Specifically, Igbinedion pointed out that the Benin Kingdom, which is over 1,200 years old, remained one of the oldest and most sophisticated pre-colonial civilisations in Africa, globally renowned for its advanced political structure, urban development, military organisations and the world-famous Benin Bronzes, which continue to define Nigeria’s cultural heritage in global institutions.
She contended that any attempt to cede such historically significant Edo lands constituted a threat to the territorial integrity of Edo State, a violation of the cultural and ancestral rights of the Edo people, warning that such action might provoke widespread unrest and undermine national unity.
Igbinedion, while condemning the proposed ceding of any part of Edo State for the creation of Toru-Be State, stated that no individual, political caucus, or regional group has the authority to offer any portion of Edo State land without the consent of its people and constitutional process.
She, therefore, called on the Federal Government, particularly the President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, to reject any recommendation involving Edo territory in the proposed new state.
“This motion urge all stakeholders in the South-South region to refrain from actions that threaten the unity and historical integrity of constituent states. “The House must mandate the Committees on Constitutional Review, Intergovernmental Affairs, and State Creation to investigate the matter, uphold state boundaries, and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency and equity in any future state creation discussions.
“We reaffirm the commitment of the people of Edo State to defend their land, heritage, and historical identity, and declare that Edo land is not up for negotiation, and Edo State will not cede an inch,” Igbinedion vowed.
