Okomu crisis: Ijaw traditional rulers appoint Chief Ajele to lead Peace Committee

In a renewed effort to end the protracted communal conflict in the Okomu community of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, a coalition of Ijaw traditional rulers has appointed Chief Sunny Ajele to lead a resolution committee tasked with restoring peace and stability to the troubled region.

The appointment followed a crucial meeting of key Ijaw stakeholders and monarchs from riverine communities spanning Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States.

At the meeting, it was unanimously agreed that all factions involved in the Okomu crisis should immediately cease hostilities and commit to dialogue for lasting peace.

Prominent royal fathers who sanctioned the formation of the peace committee include: HRM William Ogoba, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom; HRM Zacheus Egbunu, Pere of Arogbo Kingdom; HRM Joel Ibane, Pere of Iduwini Kingdom; HRM Capt. King Frank Okiakpe, Pere of Gbaraun Kingdom; HRM Stephen Oyabebefa Ebikeme, Pere of Poromor Kingdom.

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Others are; HRM Godwin Ogunoyibo, Pere of Olodiama Kingdom; HRM Gbebokedi Ajiroba, Pere of Tubutoru Kingdom; HRM Roman Ikiyouseigha, Pere of Furupagha Kingdom.

Chief Ajele’s committee comprises notable Ijaw leaders including: High Chief Engr. Pascal Akpofagha – Secretary; High Chief Thompson Eduh – Treasurer; Gen. Don Ben Donyegha; Amb. Andrew Igiri; High Chief Julius Tonfawei, among others.

The committee’s mandate includes: Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the crisis and its impacts; Facilitating dialogue and reconciliation among aggrieved factions; Documenting the destruction and losses for possible compensation; Collaborating with security agencies to ensure peace enforcement in the region.

The Okomu crisis, ongoing for over three years, has devastated numerous Ijaw settlements including Okomu, Agbede, Oweike, and Okorodudu.

Reports indicate that at least 74 houses have been destroyed and many lives lost during recurrent clashes. In Agbede alone, over 30 houses were razed; in Winke, about 18 structures were burnt, while six houses were destroyed in Okorodudu.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City on Thursday, Chief Ajele blamed the crisis on deep-seated internal divisions within the Okomu community, worsened by political interference.

“This crisis has been lingering for over three years now without a solution. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) made efforts but couldn’t achieve lasting peace. Prominent Ijaw figures also intervened but were frustrated out,” he said.

Chief Ajele added that the violence escalated due to the activities of a notorious militant leader known as Lawrence, who allegedly defied calls from traditional rulers to disarm.

According to Ajele, military and vigilante forces later raided Lawrence’s base, destroying property and killing his associates.

A violent reprisal followed, targeting those believed to have tipped off authorities.

“The most security men are afraid to go to the waterside. That’s where Lawrence is from. When his community was invaded, he escaped but later launched retaliatory attacks,” Ajele recounted.

Highlighting his vision, Chief Ajele emphasized that the committee aims to unite all factions under a common cause — peace.

“What we want to do now is to bring everyone together under one roof to live as one. We will work with security agencies to conduct a thorough operation in the waterside communities,” he said.

Ajele also criticized the alleged divide-and-rule tactics of the previous Edo State administration, accusing it of siding with one faction for political gains — a move he said further inflamed tensions.