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Dokubo-Asari Declares ‘Suffering Of Ijaw People In Gelegele Has Come To An End’
By Al Humphrey Onyanabo
Just two days before commencing the month-long seclusion that precedes the final rites of his coronation, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Amanyanabo of The Chiefdom and Principalities of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri of the Kingdom of Kalabari, stirred the hornets’ nest with a historic visit to Gelegele-Gbene, an Ijaw community in Edo State.
The visit was more than a traditional engagement. It was a statement of solidarity with a community that has endured decades of alleged political, social and economic marginalisation, with residents lamenting the near absence of government presence and basic public infrastructure.
Months earlier, at an Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) event in Degema, Dokubo-Asari had set social media abuzz when he declared that Edo State could become the next theatre of resistance against what he described as the oppression and marginalisation of Ijaw people in the state.
His visit to Gelegele-Gbene appeared to give practical expression to that declaration.Thousands of men, women and children gathered at the community jetty under the scorching afternoon sun, singing, dancing and celebrating the arrival of a man they regard as someone who has taken their plight beyond the boundaries of their community and brought it into the national conversation.
Before proceeding into the community, tradition demanded that the delegation first pay homage to the ancestors at the ancestral shrine of Gelegele-Gbene, an open-roof traditional sanctuary located about three minutes’ walk to the left of the jetty.
At the shrine, Dokubo-Asari and his entourage were formally welcomed into the land. The Kariowes, the traditional priests responsible for the rites, led the prayers and invocation.Speaking in Kalabari, with his message interpreted for the gathering, he delivered a passionate address that combined cultural solidarity, political resolve and a call for peaceful coexistence.
“This land is our land. Nobody can take it away from us. We are Ijaw people, and all of us are with you. Whether you call us in the night, morning or afternoon, know that we will answer.
“All our haters are wasting their time. They cannot do us any evil. But let us not attempt to take what belongs to others, because nobody can take what belongs to us.
“We will not look for trouble. But anybody who looks for trouble will get a response. I do not want us to look for trouble. Those who seek our trouble will carry the consequences. They will be swallowed by the ocean.
“The suffering of the Ijaw people here has come to an end today. I thank you very much.”Listen to what the gods and ancestors are saying and use their message for good. When we leave and return, I will not forget you. I will keep you in my prayers. You too must pray for me. It is prayer that strengthens us.
“Know that your brethren are with you. Even those who hate you know that you have brothers standing with you. For that reason, be strengthened and be bold.”
Following the visit to the ancestral shrine, the delegation proceeded to the palace of Pa Benson Oguoyinbo, the 47th Ama-Okosuwei of Gelegele-Gbene Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The purpose was to formally invite the traditional ruler to Se Diye, the forthcoming traditional coronation ceremonies of Amanyanabo Dokubo-Asari.
The delegation’s host was the prominent businessman, Chief Engr. Pius Donyegha, who received the visitors at his country home.In his remarks, Chief Donyegha expressed profound appreciation for the visit, describing the Amanyanabo’s presence as a source of encouragement to the community.
“It was only this morning that we heard you were coming. Everybody is excited. I am overwhelmed to see you here.”You have been taking our matter to the world, and we are very grateful. Thank you very much.”We cannot pass this oppression to our children. It must end.
“There is no government presence in Gelegele-Gbene. Everything you see here is the result of our personal efforts. There is practically nothing here from the state government.
“Without our votes, they cannot go to the Senate or the House of Representatives.”
After lunch at Chief Donyegha’s residence, the community gathered once again as the delegation prepared to depart. Dokubo-Asari led the gathering in the traditional Asawana song.
As the delegation made its way back to the jetty, the entire community followed.
Dokubo-Asari’s engagement with Gelegele-Gbene is consistent with a political and advocacy history that spans several decades.
As former President of the Ijaw Youth Council, he became widely known for his uncompromising position on resource control, environmental degradation and the perceived exploitation of the Niger Delta’s natural resources without commensurate benefits for its indigenous communities.
Dokubo-Asari Declares ‘Suffering Of Ijaw People In Gelegele Has Come To An End’
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