By: Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie Edoimioya.
The recent unrest surrounding Gelegele in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, has once again brought to the forefront the importance of peace, the rule of law, and responsible leadership. Gelegele is not only a community of historical and economic significance, but also a strategic gateway for the development of Edo State through its maritime and industrial potential. Any crisis capable of disrupting peace in the area deserves immediate and decisive attention from the Edo State Government.
The primary responsibility of every government is the protection of lives, property, and the preservation of law and order. It is therefore imperative that the Edo State Government urgently intervene by engaging all relevant stakeholders, strengthening security, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails over acts capable of undermining public peace.
The issues surrounding Gelegele should not be addressed through violence, intimidation, or misinformation, but through constitutional processes and respect for judicial decisions. Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy where judgments of competent courts remain binding until set aside by another court of competent jurisdiction.
Particularly significant is the decision of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/131/82, delivered on 19 August 1983, by Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais (who later became Chief Justice of Nigeria). That judgment has often been cited in discussions relating to ownership and boundary issues concerning Gelegele. The legal effect and interpretation of any Supreme Court judgment should be respected by all parties, as the Supreme Court remains the highest court in Nigeria.
If the judgment has indeed vested ownership or affirmed the rights of Edo State over Gelegele, then every government agency and stakeholder has a constitutional obligation to respect and implement that decision in accordance with the law. At the same time, any claims regarding the scope or legal consequences of the judgment should be guided by the actual text of the judgment and, where necessary, by competent legal interpretation.
The Edo State Government should therefore:
– Immediately restore and maintain peace in Gelegele through lawful security measures.
– Engage traditional rulers, community leaders, and all affected stakeholders in sincere dialogue.
– Ensure full compliance with all valid and binding judicial pronouncements relating to Gelegele.
– Prevent misinformation capable of escalating tensions.
– Accelerate development projects within Gelegele so that the community continues to enjoy the benefits of peace and economic progress.
The people of Gelegele deserve security, justice, and sustainable development. The supremacy of the Constitution and the authority of the Supreme Court must remain the guiding principles in resolving every dispute. Respect for the law is the surest path to lasting peace, while disregard for judicial decisions only breeds uncertainty and conflict.
The Government of Edo State is therefore called upon to act swiftly, decisively, and fairly to preserve peace in Gelegele, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that every lawful judgment relating to the community is respected and implemented in the interest of justice, stability, and the collective progress of Edo State..
Edo State belongs to all of us, Edo State must be safe and great again.
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