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INSTALLATION OF “PERE OF OLODIAMA KINGDOM” IN EDO
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By Lucky Ogbebor
Edo State Government has reacted furiously to the planned coronation of an Ijaw man as a traditional ruler in Benin land in Edo State.
The Edo State government in a terse press statement endorsed by the secretary to the state government described as egregiously abominable, sacrilegious and criminal, the planned coronation of the Godwin Oguyenbo as the “Pere of Olodiama Kingdom”, in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Reacting to an advertisement on page 22 of the Vanguard Newspaper of Tuesday, November 14, 2017, which contains a congratulatory message to one Godwin Oguyenbo, Alagbabenafa, Agadagba, “Pere of Olodiama Kingdom” in Edo State, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. said “the pronouncement constitutes an unprecedented affront to the long settled culture, traditions and norms of our people”.
He explained that “Government is of the view that the claim of such a non-existent title in a non-existent community under any guise is a clear and pre-mediated breach of our laws particularly the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of Edo State which said Law sets out the list of all recognized Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in Edo State.
Ogie stressed that “the said law further makes it a criminal offence for any person to recognize or purport to install any person as a Traditional Ruler except as provided for under the law and in fact makes it an offence for any unqualified person to present or permit to be so address”.
The Edo State SSG, maintained that the State government is of the view that “this act is intended to precipitate strife and contestation leading inevitably to the breakdown of Law and Order in our dear State”.
He said in the light of the foregoing, Governor Godwin Obaseki has issued clear directives to the Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to take all steps to immediately abort the proposed or purported coronation anywhere within Edo State on the date proposed or any other date whatsoever.
He also said that the governor has directed law enforcement agencies to effect the immediate arrest and prosecution of all persons involved in the said coronation either as beneficiary, participant or sponsor, to the full extent of all extant laws, as the government and people of Edo State have always projected a peaceful and welcoming disposition to all persons living within its boundaries.
“Edo State Government will not tolerate actions and pronouncements which seek to abuse the hospitality which our land offers. Let it be clearly noted that this Government will take all necessary steps to preserve our peace, enforce our laws and defend our revered institutions. All those who intend to test the resolve of actual and potential breaches of the peace to the nearest Law Enforcement Agencies” Ogie said.
Meanwhile, the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), on the orders of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, also reacted angrily to the planned move to create another kingdom within the Benin Kingdom.
The traditional Prime Minister of Benin Kingdom, Iyase, Chief Sam Igbe, supported by tens of high chiefs and traditional rulers in Benin at a news conference at the Oba palace on Tuesday, said the Ijaws were biting more than they could chew.
“We want to state categorically that Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State is under the authority of the Oba of Benin, who is the prescribed authority. We only have one Monarch in the who of Edo South senatorial district, that is the Oba.
“The title” Pere of Olodiama kingdom “does not exist Gelegele is under the overlordship of the Oba of Benin and there cannot be two Monarchs in Benin.
“Any attempt to lay claim to non-existent title and community or village under any guise would be totally resisted.
“Enough is enough. The Ijaws must know that there will be painful repercussions for fomenting troubles with the Benin people. If they are tired of living with us peacefully, they should leave us in peace” the BTC warned.
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Tinubu returns from Paris today, Says Onanuga

President Bola Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria today after spending close to two weeks abroad, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed.
Onanuga, in a brief post on X, wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today.”
The Presidency had earlier assured Nigerians that despite the President’s stay overseas, he remained fully engaged with national governance.
In a statement last Thursday, Onanuga explained: “The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”
He further emphasised that Tinubu’s absence was temporary and “in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks,” with his return scheduled for April 21, following the Easter holidays.
“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” the statement added.
Tinubu had departed for Paris on April 2, 2025, for what the Presidency described as a two-week working visit. According to Onanuga, the trip was intended to “appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.”
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Opeifa request for the state government to assist the Railway Police and Otti, thanks Tinubu for picking the best material to rewrite Nigeria Railway history

Gov. Otti describes Opeifa as a thorough-bred professional ready to rewrite Nigeria Railway history
Lauds President Tinubu for picking the best material to reposition Nigeria’s oldest corporation
A deserving commendation came the way of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, as the Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, described him as an exceptional professional, most suitable to lead the Nigeria’s oldest surviving public corporation.
Governor Otti spoke on Wednesday, at the Government House in Abia State, during a business visit by the MD/CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, as part of his familiarization tour of the Eastern District of the Corporation.
According to Governor Otti: “I have had so many engagements with past leaders of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, you are clearly different and knows the job”. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Opeifa to lead the Nigerian Railway Corporation, expressing assurance at his ability to deliver.
He thanked the MD/CEO for promising to synergize with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, and the State Government to see that the transformation of the transportation system in Umuahia is achieved. According to the Governor, “Umuahia Bus terminal is progressing rapidly and we felt that it is important to replicate what we have in Paignton, United Kingdom in Umuahia, by linking the train station with the Terminal to enhance intermodal transportation services.
The Governor stated that he was very happy to see that the MD/CEO is committed to taking the track from Aba to Enugu and even beyond. He recalled, with nostalgia how the train had served the people of the state and regretted the downward trends of rain services across the entire South East.
On the MD/CEO’s request for the state government to assist the Railway Police in the state, Governor Otti promised that his government will provide mobility for Aba Railway Police.
He added that the state government is always ready to support the Federal Government institutions as users of such federal institutions are people of the state, adding that his administration cannot differentiate between federal and state government workers.
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Airlin Advocacy Commissions Jos Office, Targets 7m Members By Next Elections,Says Mohammed Gamawa

During the inauguration ceremony, the National Chairman of Airlin, Mohammed Gamawa, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to educating Nigerians on their civic rights and responsibilities.
According to Gamawa, Airlin aims to bridge the gap between citizens and the principles of the rule of law by fostering a society where people understand not only their rights but also what is expected of them by the country.
“Our goal is to foster interaction among Nigerians, promote respect for the rule of law, and ensure citizens know their rights and civic responsibilities — such as voting to elect future leaders not based on materialism but based on integrity and competence,” Gamawa stated.
He added that understanding and exercising one’s franchise, especially during elections, must go hand in hand with being law-abiding and fully aware of civil responsibilities.
As part of its mission, Airlin is currently targeting 19 states in Northern Nigeria, with Jos becoming the 15th state to be commissioned.
The ceremony also featured the appointment of state and local government coordinators who will help drive the organization’s grassroots advocacy efforts.
With a current membership base of 2.1 million Nigerians aged 18 and above, Airlin projects a significant growth trajectory, aiming to reach 7 million members before the next general elections.
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