The Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide, has unequivocally stated that there is no town or community in Benin Kingdom called, known and addressed as Gelegelegbene in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
In a statement signed by Elder Comrade Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, President of Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) worldwide, and made available to journalists in Benin City, said the only community known and recognized by all in Benin Kingdom called Gelegele.
Elder Ugbo stated that the clarification became necessary following the false claim by a Pro Ijaw group, Izon Ibe Dragnet, which is craftily trying to unlawfully rename Gelegele as Gelegelegbene.
According to the BSM president, ”Ijaws should let it be known that they are settlers in Benin Kingdom. That we, the Benins, are accommodating should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness by those who hide under different aliases and groups to trigger crisis which will end up consuming them.
“They should be informed that we are not contesting anything with them as regards their Gelegelegbene. Our area of interest lies within our territory, Gelegele in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State where we have over the years accommodated them as it is our nature to be good host.
The BSM, further expressed worry over the unwholesome activities of the Pro-Ijaw group, Izon Ibe Dragnet, to the effect that they claim they are expressing anger over some issues relating to a court case between Ijaws and Benins over Gelegele which they have deliberately corrupted to Gelegelegbene.
“Not only that they went as far as casting aspersions on the personalities of some highly respected legal luminaries of Benin extraction.
“Let us sound it very loud and clear to the settlers, Ijaws that there is no town or community in Benin Kingdom called Gelegelegbene in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State.
“For all we care, the irritant Izon Ibe Dragnet may be talking of a community that is situated in Bayelsa State acclaimed as a homogenous Ijaw State.
”The brains behind the pseudo Izon Ibe Dragnet should be called to order immediately before they foolishly drag their kinsmen into a dragnet of no return as far as the Gelegele issue is concerned.
“We are been stretched to the limit and it will be a matter of good judgment if they call themselves to order now before it is too late.
“The Izon Ibe Dragnet should be reasonable enough now to change their steps in this macabre dance that they have inadvertently forced themselves into”. BSM concluded.
Efforts to get the reaction of the leadership of Izon Ibe Dragnet, yielded no fruitful results.
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