BUILDING LASTING PEACE IN GELEGELE THROUGH JUSTICE, INCLUSION AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIPBy Dr Harrison I. Okao, JP (Ohen Osa)

BUILDING LASTING PEACE IN GELEGELE THROUGH JUSTICE, INCLUSION AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP

By Dr Harrison I. Okao, JP (Ohen Osa)

Director General, Centre for Good Governance, Development and Socio Cultural Advocacy.

The renewed debates over the ownership of Gelegele, the location of the oil wells around Ughoton and Gelegele, and the question of whether the Pere or the Odionwere exercises traditional authority have generated passionate reactions from several Edo youth groups and organisations. These are legitimate concerns that deserve careful attention. However, they must be approached with wisdom, historical evidence, respect for the rule of law, and an unwavering commitment to peace.

On the question of ownership, it is important to recognise that the Gelegele land dispute has a long legal history. The Supreme Court, in Suit No. SC.131/1982, delivered its judgment on 19 August 1983, affirming earlier decisions that recognised the title of the Ughoton community over the disputed Gelegele land. That judgment remains a significant legal reference in discussions concerning the area. While historical and cultural debates may continue, the decisions of the courts remain the lawful foundation upon which questions of land ownership should be determined.

However, legal victory alone does not automatically guarantee lasting peace. Sustainable peace is achieved when justice is complemented by inclusion, mutual respect, dialogue, and responsible leadership. Communities are more likely to embrace peaceful coexistence when they feel that their rights, identity, and aspirations are recognised within the larger political and social framework.

It is in this context that the recent intervention by Tony Adun, popularly known as Tony Kabaka, deserves thoughtful consideration. Rather than encouraging division, he advocated greater political inclusion for the Ijaw communities in Edo State. His position reflects an important reality that extends beyond Gelegele. Communities that are fairly represented in government are more likely to see themselves as valued stakeholders in the progress and stability of the state.

When Ijaw communities are given a genuine sense of belonging through equitable political appointments, meaningful participation in governance, balanced development, and recognition of their contributions, they are more likely to identify proudly as citizens of Edo State while preserving their rich cultural heritage. Political inclusion therefore strengthens the unity of the state rather than diminishing it.

This presents an opportunity for the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose election was affirmed by the Supreme Court in July 2025, to demonstrate the true meaning of inclusive governance. Every community, irrespective of ethnicity, should enjoy equal opportunities, fair representation, and a genuine sense of belonging. Inclusive governance promotes stability, reduces tension, builds confidence, and strengthens public trust in government.

Political inclusion, however, should not be the only response to the current situation. The Edo State Government should establish an independent panel comprising historians, legal scholars, representatives of the Benin Traditional Council, Ijaw leaders, survey experts, and relevant government officials to comprehensively document the historical, legal, and cultural status of Gelegele, Ughoton, and adjoining communities. Such a body would help preserve historical records while providing objective guidance for future generations.

Furthermore, all stakeholders should publicly commit themselves to respecting existing court judgments while ensuring that any unresolved grievances are pursued only through lawful constitutional processes. At the same time, government should accelerate the provision of infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, road networks, and employment opportunities in Gelegele, Ughoton, and other riverine communities. Sustainable development remains one of the strongest pillars of enduring peace.

Regular dialogue between Benin and Ijaw traditional leaders should also be institutionalised. Continuous engagement will reduce misinformation, strengthen mutual understanding, and foster confidence between neighbouring communities. Equally important is the role of youth organisations, which should channel their energy towards constructive engagement instead of inflammatory rhetoric. Social media campaigns that promote ethnic hostility serve no meaningful purpose and ultimately undermine the collective interest of Edo State.

Finally, political leaders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and community representatives must exercise restraint and responsibility in their public utterances. Their words should heal divisions, encourage reconciliation, and reinforce the bonds that unite the people of Edo State rather than deepen ethnic suspicion or resentment.

The Gelegele question should not become a source of perpetual conflict or a contest that leaves every community diminished. Instead, it should serve as an opportunity to demonstrate that justice, inclusion, dialogue, and development can coexist in building a peaceful and prosperous society.

The Supreme Court has settled the legal issues surrounding ownership. The greater responsibility that now rests before political leaders, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens is to build the peace that the law alone cannot guarantee. The future of Edo State lies not in ethnic rivalry but in shared prosperity and collective progress. When every community, whether Benin, Ijaw, Esan, Igbanke, Afemai, Akoko Edo, or any other, feels respected, included, and valued, Edo State becomes stronger. Justice establishes rights, political inclusion builds trust, and together they provide the surest foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development.