Ijaw leaders set up committee to settle Okomo crisis
Celebrants at the grand finale of the Gbaraun-Egbesu Ibolomobo-Ere and Amaseikumor festival of the Ijaws globally held at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday, April 25, 2025. | Credit: Dele Ogunyemi
Ijaw leaders set up committee to settle Okomo crisis
… blames crisis in Okomu to internal division and political interference.
The Ijaw leaders have initiated move to resolve the Okomo community crisis by constituting an 18-man committee to resolve the crisis.
The committee was set up in June after a meeting of traditional rulers from riverside areas of Ijaw communities in Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States, where it was resolved that all factions should cease hostilities and work towards a peaceful resolution.
Prominent royal fathers who sanctioned the formation of the peace committee include HRM William Ogoba, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom; HRM Zacheus Egbunu, Pere of Arogbo Kingdom; HRM Joel Ibane, Pere of Iduwini Kingdom; HRM Capt. King Frank Okiakpe, Pere of Gbaraun Kingdom and HRM Stephen Oyabebefa Ebikeme, Pere of the Poromor Kingdom.
Others are HRM Godwin Ogunoyibo, Pere of Olodiama Kingdom; HRM Gbebokedi Ajiroba, Pere of Tubutoru Kingdom and HRM Roman Ikiyouseigha, Pere of Furupagha Kingdom.
Speaking with South South Punch on Tuesday, head of the committee, Chief Sunday Ajele blamed the crisis in Okomu Community on internal division worsened by political interference from the previous administration.
Ajele disclosed that the crisis escalated due to the activities of a former militant leader known as Lawrence, who defied calls from traditional rulers to disarm.
He said the committee was ready to find a lasting peace in the area so that the residents would no longer live in fear.
“ I blame the crisis on deep-seated internal divisions within the Okomu community, worsened by political interference from the previous administration.
“The violence escalated due to the activities of a former militant leader known as Lawrence, who allegedly defied calls from traditional rulers to disarm.
“This crisis has been lingering for over three years now without a solution. The Ijaw National Congress made efforts but couldn’t achieve lasting peace. Prominent Ijaw figures also intervened but were frustrated out,” he said.
According to Ajele, the military and vigilante later raided Lawrence’s base, destroying properties and killing his associates, which prompted a violent attack with those suspected to have tipped off the authorities as major targets
Ajele added, “Most security men are afraid to go to the waterside. That’s where Lawrence is from. When his community was invaded, he escaped but later launched retaliatory attacks”.
He said the main job of the committee is to unite all factions under a common cause that would bring about peace.
He added, “What we want to do now is to bring everyone together under one roof and live as one. We will work with security agencies to conduct a thorough operation in the waterside communities.”
Ajele also criticized the alleged divide-and-rule tactics of the previous Edo State administration, accusing it of taking side with one faction for political gains — a move he said further inflamed tensions.
The Okomu community has been plagued by a long-standing crisis, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Several Ijaw villages, including Okomu, Agbede, Oweike, and Okorodudu, have been severely impacted, with over 74 houses razed down. In Agbede alone, it was reported that over 30 houses were razed; in Winke, about 18 structures were burnt, while six houses were destroyed in Okorodudu.
