AMANYANABO DOKUBO-ASARI STIRS THE HORNETS’ NEST, DECLARES END TO IJAW OPPRESSION IN GELEGELE – GBENE, EDO STATE | Blissful Affairs Online
Amanyanabo’s visit to Gelegele-Gbene community sparks hope among marginalised Ijaw people
By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo
Just two days before commencing the month-long seclusion that precedes the final rites of his coronation, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Amanyanabo of The Chiefdom and Principalities of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri of the Kingdom of Kalabari, stirred the hornets’ nest with a historic visit to Gelegele-Gbene, an Ijaw community in Edo State.
The visit was more than a traditional engagement. It was a statement of solidarity with a community that has endured decades of alleged political, social and economic marginalisation, with residents lamenting the near absence of government presence and basic public infrastructure.
Months earlier, at an Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) event in Degema, Dokubo-Asari had set social media abuzz when he declared that Edo State could become the next theatre of resistance against what he described as the oppression and marginalisation of Ijaw people in the state.
His visit to Gelegele-Gbene appeared to give practical expression to that declaration.
A HERO’S WELCOME
The reception at the community jetty was overwhelming. Thousands of men, women and children gathered under the scorching afternoon sun, singing, dancing and celebrating the arrival of a man they regard as someone who has taken their plight beyond the boundaries of their community and brought it into the national conversation.
The atmosphere was electric. Traditional Ijaw music, songs of solidarity and jubilant dancing accompanied his arrival. It was an unmistakable demonstration of affection and gratitude towards a visitor whose advocacy had given renewed visibility to their grievances.
But before proceeding into the community, tradition demanded that the delegation first pay homage to the ancestors.
A DATE WITH THE ANCESTORS
Our first stop was the ancestral shrine of Gelegele-Gbene, an open-roof traditional sanctuary located about three minutes’ walk to the left of the jetty.
It was a scorching afternoon, but the heat did little to diminish the solemnity of the occasion.
In Ijaw tradition, important visitors are formally received through ancestral rites before proceeding into the community. The practice recognises the place of the ancestors in the spiritual and cultural life of the people.
At the shrine, Dokubo-Asari and his entourage were formally welcomed into the land. The Kariowes, the traditional priests responsible for the rites, led the prayers and invocation.
Although the proceedings were conducted in the local language, one name kept recurring in the songs and expressions of welcome: Asari Dokubo.
The priests subsequently offered prayers for his protection, good health and continued strength.
‘THE SUFFERING OF THE IJAW PEOPLE HERE HAS COME TO AN END’
After the traditional rites, Dokubo-Asari expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to visit the community.
Speaking in Kalabari, with his message interpreted for the gathering, he delivered a passionate address that combined cultural solidarity, political resolve and a call for peaceful coexistence.
“This land is our land. Nobody can take it away from us. We are Ijaw people, and all of us are with you. Whether you call us in the night, morning or afternoon, know that we will answer.
“All our haters are wasting their time. They cannot do us any evil. But let us not attempt to take what belongs to others, because nobody can take what belongs to us.
“We will not look for trouble. But anybody who looks for trouble will get a response. I do not want us to look for trouble. Those who seek our trouble will carry the consequences. They will be swallowed by the ocean.
“The suffering of the Ijaw people here has come to an end today. I thank you very much.
“Listen to what the gods and ancestors are saying and use their message for good. When we leave and return, I will not forget you. I will keep you in my prayers. You too must pray for me. It is prayer that strengthens us.
“Know that your brethren are with you. Even those who hate you know that you have brothers standing with you. For that reason, be strengthened and be bold.”
His message was received with enthusiastic applause and expressions of solidarity.
Beyond the forceful language, the central message was unmistakable: Gelegele-Gbene should not consider itself abandoned or isolated in its struggle for recognition, development and justice.
A ROYAL INVITATION
Following the visit to the ancestral shrine, the delegation proceeded to the palace of Pa Benson Oguoyinbo, the 47th M Ama-Okosuwei of Gelegele-Gbene Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The purpose was to formally invite the traditional ruler to Se Diye, the forthcoming traditional coronation ceremonies of Amanyanabo Dokubo-Asari.
The palace visit added another important dimension to the engagement, reinforcing the traditional and cultural connections between the two Ijaw communities.
‘WE CANNOT PASS THIS OPPRESSION TO OUR CHILDREN’
The delegation’s host was the prominent businessman, Chief Engr. Pius Donyegha, who received the visitors at his beautiful country home.
Lunch was served, while his wife personally oversaw the welfare and comfort of the guests.
In his remarks, Chief Donyegha expressed profound appreciation for the visit, describing the Amanyanabo’s presence as a source of encouragement to the community.
“It was only this morning that we heard you were coming. Everybody is excited. I am overwhelmed to see you here.
“You have been taking our matter to the world, and we are very grateful. Thank you very much.
“We cannot pass this oppression to our children. It must end.
“There is no government presence in Gelegele-Gbene. Everything you see here is the result of our personal efforts. There is practically nothing here from the state government.
“Without our votes, they cannot go to the Senate or the House of Representatives.”
His remarks captured the frustration of residents who believe that their political participation and electoral contributions have not translated into meaningful development for their community.
For the people of Gelegele-Gbene, the demand is straightforward: recognition, inclusion, infrastructure, economic opportunities and a government that responds to their needs.
A DEPARTURE THAT SPOKE VOLUMES
After lunch at Chief Donyegha’s residence, the community gathered once again as the delegation prepared to depart.
The crowd knew it was time to say goodbye.
In a memorable moment, Dokubo-Asari led the gathering in the traditional Asawana song. The atmosphere quickly transformed into another celebration of Ijaw identity and solidarity.
As the delegation made its way back to the jetty, the entire community followed. Men, women and children walked alongside their visitors, unwilling to let the moment end.
It was a remarkable scene. The affection was spontaneous, the emotions unmistakable and the message powerful.
For a community that feels neglected, the visit had offered something beyond a political declaration: the reassurance that their grievances had been heard and that they had not been forgotten.
A LIFELONG CAMPAIGN FOR IJAW RIGHTS
Dokubo-Asari’s engagement with Gelegele-Gbene is consistent with a political and advocacy history that spans several decades.
As former President of the Ijaw Youth Council, he became widely known for his uncompromising position on resource control, environmental degradation and the perceived exploitation of the Niger Delta’s natural resources without commensurate benefits for its indigenous communities.
His confrontations with oil companies and the Nigerian state brought him national and international attention. His activism also came at a personal cost, including several periods of incarceration.
Over the years, resource control, environmental justice and the political and economic rights of the Ijaw people have remained central to his public advocacy.
His visit to Gelegele-Gbene therefore represents another chapter in that longstanding campaign.
