Steer clear of Edo affairs, group warns Asari Dokubo

By Jethro Ibileke

The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide has cautioned former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, to desist from comments it described as attacks on Edo State, its people and the Benin throne.

President of the movement, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, gave the warning at a press conference in Benin City on Monday, saying the peaceful nature of Edo people should not be mistaken for weakness.

Iyamu said the warning became necessary following what he termed persistent provocative and derogatory remarks by Dokubo about the Edo nation and the revered Benin monarchy.

“We have imbibed the culture of decorum in the face of the incessant rants of one Asari Dokubo, who parades himself as a traditional ruler, but whose ways, manners and public outbursts are far demeaning of that exalted position,” he said.

He questioned Dokubo’s continued interest in Edo affairs, describing it as an obsession, and rejected claims attributed to him regarding land ownership in the state.

The group also condemned alleged disparaging remarks against the Oba of Benin, insisting that the monarch remains a highly revered symbol of Edo history and culture.

“That we have been calm does not make us cowards. While we remain law-abiding citizens, we urge him to steer clear of the Edo nation,” Iyamu stated.

Commenting on the controversy surrounding Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), Iyamu said the movement was not speaking for the company, but noted that its corporate social responsibility activities in host communities were verifiable and widely reported.

He also defended the reputation of Osahon Okunbo, son of late businessman Captain Hosa Okunbo, and faulted claims about PINL’s alleged annual earnings, saying such figures should be interrogated against national revenue data.

The movement reaffirmed its commitment to peace and respect for constituted authorities, but vowed not to remain silent in the face of continued provocation.