The member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency of Edo state in the National Assembly, Honourable Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, has vehemently kicked against the attempts by some persons and interest groups to cede part of Edo territory to the proposed Toru-Be State.
The lawmaker made his position known today in Abuja in a media chat with some select journalists.
The lawmaker noted that some persons and groups with vested interests are trying to hide under the cover of state creation to annex part of Edo lands particularly the historically significant communities within Ovia and Ikpoba-Okha local government areas .
Describing the move as unacceptable, Hon. Omoruyi said the proponents of the Toru-Be state in an attempt to include part of Edo lands in the proposed new state, outrightly assaulted the territorial integrity , cultural identity and the ancestral heritage and affinities of the indigenous people.
Hon.Omoruyi who listed some Edo communities being targeted by these merchants of new state creation include: Ughoton, Siluko, Aghamioba, Udo ( Okomu ) , Ekewan, Ikoro, Obazuwa, Ologbo and its riverine communities said these communities are not just a mere geographic spaces but integral foundational pillars of the revered ancient Benin Kingdom that signpost centuries-old traditions, institutions and communal ownership that cannot be traded off for political convenience or regional bargaining.
Hon. Omoruyi, while calling for a restraint on the proposed state creation, said, ” No individual, group, caucus leader or external lobby has the legal , moral, cultural or political authority to surrender Edo land to any proposed state creation initiative. Any such attempt is a direct provocation and will be met with unified and unyielding resistance from the people of Edo state. “
The lawmaker counseled that state creation must not be used as a tool to destabilize existing boundaries or undermine the sovereignty of a people over their ancestral territories emphasizing that Edo people are not development or national restructuring,but will not accept solutions that threaten the land, heritage or unity of Edo State.
Hon. Omoruyi, therefore demanded the jettisioning of any suggestion, negotiations or proposals that involve carving out any part of Edo state for the creation of Toru-Be State even as he urged relevant authorities, stakeholders, and representatives from the South-South zine to respect established historical boundaries and refrain from actions capable of generating tension, discord and unrest.
