There was confusion in 9 communities making up the Egbema Ijaw Clan of Edo and Delta States, following a declaration made by an ex-militant, Mr Henry Binidodougha, that he is the traditional ruler of the oil producing communities hosting Chevron Nigeria Limited.
It was learnt that Henry, who took the title, Ojuaga of the clan, was however, disclaimed by the communities which also directed Chervon Nigeria Limited, other government agencies, communities and traditional institutions and the public not to deal with the ex-militant commander as the traditional ruler of the area.
The communities said that the title of Ojuaga 1 which the ex-militant gave to himself was an aberration, unknown to the traditional institution, maintaining that Henry was not installed as the king by the clan.
“He cannot be king over us, having not being from any of the existing ruling families in the land, ” they added.
Our heritage reporter learnt that the Egbema Ijaw Clan’s statement was endorsed by prominent individuals on behalf of the Egbema Traditional Council Of Chiefs such as Chief Johnbul Adaun (Opuama/Polobubo), Chief David M. Bubor (Ofunama Community), Chief Inspector Sele (Ajakurama Community), Chief W. B. Igbiriki (Ogbudugbudu Community) and Chief Joseph Fedisegha, (Abere Community).
According to the statement by the clan, “The Egbema kingdom is a ancient kingdom which bestrides the present-day Edo and Delta states of Nigeria with 9 traditional Communities namely: Opuama/Polobubo, Ofunama; Bolou-Jamagie; Abadegbene/Tu-Jamagie; Ogbinbiri; Ogbudugbudu; Gbeoba/Gbolukanga; Ajakurama and Abere.”
“The title of Ojuaga I, is alien and repugnant to the customs and traditions of the ancient Kingdom of Egbema. For the records, Mr Henry Binidodougha will never be enthroned as a traditional ruler of Egbema Kingdom because he is not from any of the ruling houses in the Egbema Kingdom gazetted with reference no. B. S. L. N. 148 of 1979 upon the approval given by the then military administrator of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria.”
“Members of the general public, particularly governmental agencies and neighbouring kingdoms are, therefore, urged to refrain from having any dealings with the said Mr Henry Binidodougha and his followers in relation to the ancient Egbema Traditional Stool.”
