BENIN KINGDOM STANDS FIRM: “NO LAND TO SPARE” FOR PROPOSED ANIOMA/TORU-EBE STATE

In a resolute declaration of utmost significance, the Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organisations has categorically rejected the proposed creation of Anioma/Toru-Ebe State, citing historical, cultural, and territorial reasons of paramount importance and profound consequence. The coalition, led by the esteemed Osazee Amas Edobor, asserts in the strongest possible terms that the Benin Kingdom has no land to spare for the proposed state, emphasizing with absolute clarity that Anioma and Toru-Ebe communities are “tenants on Benin land” and do not possess the inherent right to claim portions of the kingdom’s territory for the purpose of statehood.

The coalition’s opposition is deeply rooted in the Benin Kingdom’s rich and storied history, as well as its well-documented ancestral territories, which have been meticulously preserved and passed down through generations. They reference historical treaties, pre-colonial arrangements, and traditional rulings that definitively establish the Benin land as sovereign and indivisible under the Oba of Benin, whose authority and jurisdiction are unparalleled in the region. According to the coalition, any proposal that overlooks these historical truths is bound to ignite cultural tension and distort the country’s fragile federal architecture, potentially precipitating far-reaching and devastating consequences.

Representatives of the coalition submitted formal objections to the National Assembly Committee on Constitution Review at a recent public hearing in Bayelsa State, where they presented a comprehensive and meticulously researched case against the proposed state. They warned that creating a new state without proper consultation and historical verification would set a dangerous precedent, potentially destabilizing the region and undermining the very fabric of Nigeria’s federal system. The coalition called for the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to recognize the unique place of the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure and avoid decisions that could provoke unrest or deepen historical grievances, which have the potential to have far-reaching and profound consequences for the nation as a whole.

The coalition insists in the strongest possible terms that Nigeria’s state creation process must recognize and respect existing cultural and historical boundaries, particularly those of ancient kingdoms like Benin, which have been the cornerstone of the region’s cultural and historical heritage for centuries. They stressed that the Anioma and Toru-Ebe groups, being historically hosted within Benin territory, do not possess the autonomous right to use Benin land as a basis for political agitations or new administrative units, and that any attempt to do so would be a gross violation of the Benin Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The coalition cautioned the federal government to adopt a culturally sensitive approach, ensuring that the rights of indigenous landowners are not eroded by political expediency, and that the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Benin Kingdom is preserved for future generations.

While standing firm on their position, the coalition advocated for genuine stakeholder engagement involving traditional rulers, community heads, and cultural historians to avoid conflict and ensure that the interests of all parties are respected and protected. “We are not enemies of progress, but we won’t allow anyone to erase our heritage or reallocate our land under political disguise” – Osazee Amas Edobor, Leader of the Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organisations.