AIYA President Questions Sustainability of Egba–Ologba Peace, Demands Justice Over Land Dispute
The Convener and National President of the Agatu Indigenous Youth Association, Comr. Ochokwunu Daniel Edor, has raised concerns over the durability of the current calm between Egba and Ologba communities, arguing that true peace cannot exist without resolving the underlying land dispute.
In a statement issued Thursday, Edor responded to public comments suggesting that Egba and Ologba “are at peace now” and “will remain like that forever.” He said no one opposes peaceful coexistence, but questioned whether the calm can be sustained without addressing allegations of unlawful possession of land.
“Can that peace be sustained? The only thing necessary to sustain that peace is to ensure the right thing is done. Has that right thing been done?” Edor asked.
He outlined what he described as “the right thing” as follows:
– Release by Egba of land they “know is never theirs” to Ologba;
– An apology to Ologba for alleged detention of the community for over two decades;
– Obedience to court rulings and to the declaration by the Ologba Local Government Chairman affirming Ologba’s ownership;
– Compliance with Agatu traditional values and ancestral principles of justice.
Edor also noted that Ologba has not publicly announced that it has regained ownership of the disputed land.
Addressing critics who accused him of taking sides, Edor said he stands for justice based on history, a court ruling, and the chairman’s declaration, all of which he said affirm Ologba’s ownership. “Instead of advising your kings and brothers to let go of what was never theirs, you are showing your stupidity and ignorance in public,” he stated.
He concluded with a proverb in the Agatu language: _“Eyi-okwoda goche wowie,”_ meaning “covetousness is witchcraft,” and urged: “Return what is not yours and also have your peace.”
Signed:
Comr. Ochokwunu Daniel Edor
Convener / National President
Agatu Indigenous Youth Association – AIYA
_The Voice of the Agatu People_