The Ijaw people of Edo State are raising their voices over what they describe as years of neglect and marginalization by successive governments, calling for urgent inclusion in the state’s political and developmental agenda.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Tuesday, Chairman of the Gelegele Executive Council, Omaghomi Olu-Derimon, expressed deep concern over the deplorable living conditions in Ijaw communities, particularly the Gelegele area.
According to Olu-Derimon, the Ijaw communities have been systematically excluded from governance and denied access to basic infrastructure such as good roads, quality education, healthcare, and security—amenities he says are available to other ethnic groups in the state.
“The economic life of our people is under serious threat. Most of our communities have been cut off from the rest of the state due to poor road networks. Our children are at a disadvantage because the only secondary school in Gelegele is in a terrible state, with no functional facilities or qualified teachers,” he lamented.
He noted that repeated appeals to past administrations for intervention have yielded no concrete results, forcing the communities to rely on self-help to survive.
“We feel like we’re not even part of Edo State anymore. It’s heartbreaking. All we ask is for the government to meet us halfway by addressing some of our basic needs,” he added.
Beyond infrastructure, Olu-Derimon highlighted pressing concerns around insecurity, particularly in the waterways, and political exclusion. He urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to reverse the trend by appointing Ijaw representatives into his cabinet.
“The Ijaw people, as part of Edo’s cultural and economic landscape, deserve political representation. Our contributions—especially in fishing, maritime trade, and local commerce—are too significant to be ignored,” he emphasized.
He argued that inclusion of Ijaw leaders in the state government would not only reflect a commitment to diversity but also bring strategic insights into managing local economies and ensuring regional stability.
On infrastructure, he reminded the state government that Gelegele is the first oil-producing community in Edo, yet remains without any substantial government presence.
On the matter of security, he proposed the establishment of a well-equipped vigilante group to protect the waterways from pirates, illegal fishing operations, and other criminal activities threatening the livelihood of local fishermen and traders.
“A dedicated waterways security team will help protect our people, ensure economic activities thrive, and bring some level of peace and order to our community,” he said.
As the state looks to rebuild trust and improve grassroots development, Hobnob News calls on Governor Okpebholo’s administration to listen and act swiftly to address the longstanding concerns of the Ijaw people—who say they are not asking for too much, only a chance to belong.
