Trouble Brews in Edo Over Traditional Institution
Chiefs from Three Ibies
By Reporter
Reports reaching Midwest Herald indicates a brewing crisis which may result to inter clan clashes in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Already, elders of Imiakebu community in the Local Government Area have rejected a plan to collapse the Three Ibies rejected moves to collapse the three Ibies federated clan structure into what they described as an “emirate dynasty.”
Last week, the Ogieaga of three Ibies, Mallam Ali Suleiman, revealed the plan to change the name of the Three Ibies to the Ibvie Clan.
However, the plan is presently causing disaffection amongst the federating clans.
The Azamanodu III of Imiakebu, HRH Musa Awoh Ahmadu, who has opposed the decision of the Ogieaga, insisting that the other two clans were not carried along.
He said Imiakebu remained an autonomous village with its own traditional head and governing structures, including village head, chiefs, elders’ council and youth representatives.
Ahmadu appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene before the issue escalates into breakdown of peace.
He stressed that the appointment of Mallam Braimah Inusa as Chief Imam and one Shadrach as youth leader of Imiakebu, saying both claims were “false and baseless.”
He added that: “The title of Ogieaga of the three Ibies is rotational among Imiakebu, Itsukwi and Imiegba. Any attempt to alter this arrangement will derail our cultural heritage.
““We will not recognise HRH Mallam Ali Suleiman as the Ogieaga of Ibvie clan, a title alien to our laws and traditions. This move is a prototype of colonial imposition,” he said.
But, according to report, Mallam Ali Suleiman, said the meeting held in his palace was to see how they can restructure the clan for better administration
He added that the rotation of the clan headship is between the three communities Imiegba, Imiakebu and Itsukwi.
“Restructuring the adminstration of the clan does not in anyway affect the status of the present occupant
“Nobody is trying to change the rotational headship, but we are trying to restructure for better administration.
“We want to see how we can divide our community for better administration,” Ogieaga said.
