From Joseph Obukata, Warri
Traditional rulers from Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities have called on warring communities of Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja to sheathe their swords and allow peaceful coexistence among indigenes of the area.
The monarchs made the call at the weekend during an emergency meeting held at the palace of HRM Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.
The traditional rulers met following an ultimatum making the round purportedly credited to an official of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) that Ijaw people leaving in Urhobo land should vacate their residence over the faceoff between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities.
The royal fathers urged those fanning the ember of war between the two communities to desist and embrace peace or be prepared to face the wrath of the law, saying that Ijaws and Urhobos are good neighbours.
Arising from the closed door meeting, the chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom,who read the communique, said that Urhobo and Ijaw are not at war with each other.
The communique, however called on the leadership of the Ukoko’ ri’vie of Urhobo Kingdom to prevail on the leadership of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) to retract the provocative publication that gave the impression that Urhobo and Ijaw are out for communal war.
The traditional rulers, meanwhile, appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to expedite action in finding a lasting solution to the affected communities and beef up security in the area.
They said that the alleged seven days ultimatum by a faceless group was fake and mischievous as such should be disregarded by the public.
Speaking to newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the chairman of Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, King Joseph Timiyan JP, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom and Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, King Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, expressed satisfaction over the resolutions of the emergency meeting.
The meeting was called at the instance of the chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Abe I, represented by his Vice Chairman, Solomon Okukeren III, Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom.
At the end of the meeting, Elder (Capt.) Joseph Timiyan, Ebenanaowwi of Ogulagha Kingdom, Chairman, Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, Solomon Okukeren III, Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom, Vice Chairman, Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council signed a five point communique which was read and witnessed by Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe.
The Communique reads: “The Urhobos and Ijaws traditional rulers after an extensive discussion on the age-long Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh crisis resolved that the Urhobos and Ijaws ethnic nationalities do not have personal problems and are not at war each others.
“That the Ukoko’ Re-Ivie of Urhobo nation should urgently call the executives of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) as regards the provocative publication that gives the impression that the Urhobos and the Ijaws are at war.
“The teaditional rulers resolved and appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently expedite action towards finding a lasting peace in the affected communities and beef up security in the areas.
“The meeting called on the leadership of the two affected communities to maintain peace and work on things that promote peace and unity of both ethnic nationalities in particular and the state at large.
“That the alleged seven days ultimatum given by a faceless groups is not only fake but mischievously done and should be disregarded by the general public.”
The meeting was attended by many traditional rulers.