Edikwu Vs Ijaha war: Ochi’Idoma intervenes

His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu Pst. Elaigwu John Odugbo, the Ochi’Idoma V has intervened in the feud between the people of Edikwu and Ijaha in Apa local government area of Benue State, with a call on the people to come together and reconcile their differences so that the Ijaha people can return to their homes.
He condemned the loss of lives and properties and the displacement of people with serious negative economic consequences.

Agabaidu Elaigwu Odugbo spoke today, Friday 8th April 2022 at his temporary palace at Otukpo when Chief Matthew James led representatives from the two communities on a courtesy visit to him to seek his intervention in ending the crisis.

The Paramount ruler blamed the continuing feud on the inability of elders to be truthful in the management of the crisis and disclosed that his reign shall be anchored on truth and sincerity.

Recall that Ijaha and their host, Edikwu community had a dispute over Chieftaincy that has led to the loss of lives, destruction of properties worth hundreds of millions and the displacement of Ijaha people out of their homes for several years.

Chief Matthew, who happens to be a son of both villages, told the Idoma Paramount ruler that he is not happy seeing his people scattered and in conflict, hence his visit to the Palace to seek permanent peace and the possible return of his people to their village.
On his part, the leader of the Edikwu community, Chief David Imoni Otokpa, who narrated the origin of the unfortunate ordeal, blamed the crisis on the desire of the Ijaha people to create a chiefdom without adherence to tradition and custom of the land.

According to Chief Otokpa, “there cannot be two chiefs in one community. Until the Ijaha who are our visitors seek land and are given, they cannot install their own traditional leader. Doing so will be against the tradition of the land”.

Speaking to the Ijaha people, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odugbo tasked them to be diligent and patiently follow the right procedure to get a chiefdom. He admonished them that it is improper to install a chief without proper consultation and negotiation with their host, the Edikwu community.

He thanked Chief Matthew for being an Ambassador of Peace and directed that the Ijaha people should resolve among themselves and report in a fortnight.

By Austine K Adanwo