By joshua Aiguobasinmwin Movement Warns Asari Dokubo Against Attacks On Edo Nation, Monarch
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The President of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, has called on former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, to steer clear of the Edo Nation and refrain from making what he described as provocative comments about the people, their heritage and the revered Benin throne.
Iyamu, who made the call at a press conference in Benin City, said the peaceful disposition of the Edo people should not be mistaken for weakness or cowardice.
He said the press conference was convened against the backdrop of what he described as persistent attacks and derogatory remarks by Dokubo concerning the Edo Nation and the Benin monarchy.
According to him, the people of Edo had deliberately maintained decorum despite what he termed incessant public statements capable of provoking the people.
“We have imbibed the culture of decorum in the face of the incessant rants of one Asari Dokubo, who parades himself as a traditional ruler, but whose ways, manners and public outbursts are far demeaning of that exalted position,” he said.
Iyamu said the movement was particularly concerned about what he described as Dokubo’s continued interest in Edo affairs, asking why the former militant leader appeared to be “obsessed” with the Edo Nation.
He also took exception to claims attributed to Dokubo regarding ownership of land in Edo, describing such assertions as unacceptable to the Edo people.
The Aiguobasinmwin Movement president further condemned what he described as derogatory remarks allegedly directed at the Oba of Benin, stressing that the Benin monarch occupies a revered position in Edo history and culture.
He said the movement would not allow the names and legacies of respected Edo sons and institutions to be disparaged without response.
Iyamu stressed that the restraint demonstrated by the Edo people should not be interpreted as cowardice, noting that the people remained committed to peace, law and order.
“That we have been calm does not make us cowards. While we remain law-abiding citizens, we urge him to steer clear of the Edo Nation,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding the activities of the indigenous oil company, PINL, Iyamu said the movement was not acting as the company’s spokesperson but noted that its corporate social responsibility initiatives were matters of public record.
“While we are not holding brief for PINL, we are aware of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is a verifiable fact. We see and read about their outreach to indigent communities in national dailies and on television stations,” he said.
He also referenced what he described as increased production and revenue-related developments associated with the company, arguing that claims made against PINL should be subjected to verifiable facts rather than speculation.
Iyamu further defended the reputation of Osahon Okunbo, whom he identified as the son of the late Captain Hosa Okunbo, saying the movement would resist any attempt to disparage the family’s name.
He also questioned a claim attributed to Dokubo concerning the alleged annual earnings of PINL, arguing that such a figure should be properly scrutinised against Nigeria’s overall revenue profile.
The movement president maintained that the Edo people remained committed to peaceful coexistence and respect for constituted authorities, but would not remain silent in the face of what he described as continued provocation.
He therefore urged Asari Dokubo to respect the people, heritage and traditional institutions of Edo State and refrain from further comments capable of creating tension.
Iyamu concluded by reiterating the movement’s commitment to the protection of Edo’s cultural heritage and the dignity of the Benin traditional institution.
“Asari Dokubo, stay clear of Edo Nation. Oba Gha To Kpere, Ise!”