BREAKING: Tension as Ijaw youth threatens showdown with Ondo Gov over alleged moves to resettle Ilaje in Opu-Akpatakubu

By Joseph Bienbo, WARRI

Tension has continued to be heightened in Ondo State following an alleged move by the State governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to resettle some Ilaje people in alleged Akpata land.

Speaking at a press briefing by Akpata Community Youth Council of Arogbo-Ijaw Kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, the council strongly condemned the plan by the Ondo State Government to relocate and resettle some Ugbo-Ilaje people on Opu-Akpatakubu, describing the area as the ancestral land of the Akpata people.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Opu-Akpatakubu, the youth body appealed to the Ondo State Government, the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and the international community to intervene and ensure justice, due process and the preservation of peace in the area.

The council, led by its President, Comrade Jedah Gabai Stephen, alleged that credible information indicated plans by the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to resettle Ugbo-Ilaje people on the disputed land. The youths insisted that Opu-Akpatakubu has belonged to the Akpata Community from time immemorial and cannot be allocated or used for resettlement without the consent and participation of the indigenous landowners.

The youths recalled that the dispute over Opu-Akpatakubu was one of the factors that led to the 1998 communal conflict between the Ugbo-Ilaje and Arogbo-Ijaw communities, a crisis they said resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of residents and long-lasting emotional and economic hardship.

According to the youths, any attempt to alter the ownership or demographic status of the land could reopen old wounds and threaten the peace that has gradually returned to the riverine communities over the years.

While affirming their support for government development initiatives, the Akpata youths maintained that any public project within the area must be preceded by transparent consultations with the Akpata Community, traditional institutions and other relevant stakeholders, in line with constitutional and customary procedures.

The council also appealed to the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom to continue promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities, while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the matter is handled in accordance with the Constitution, the rule of law and the principles of fairness, equity and justice.

The youths further called on the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to remain impartial and proactive in preventing any breakdown of law and order.

They commended previous Ondo State administrations, including those of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for what they described as their cautious and peaceful handling of the sensitive issue.

Reaffirming their commitment to peace and lawful engagement, the Akpata Community Youth Council urged the Ondo State Government to suspend any action concerning Opu-Akpatakubu until meaningful consultations are held with the community and all relevant stakeholders.

The council also appealed to youths and residents of neighbouring communities to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid any form of violence or provocation, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, mutual respect and sincere dialogue.

The press briefing was signed by the President of the Akpata Community Youth Council, Comrade Jedah Gabai Stephen; Secretary, Comrade Ogilibo Adeoba Peretun; Akpata Community Youth Leader, Comrade Utanghan Ebikontei; President of Tamaraubotei Zion Community, Comrade Pamotei Kenny; and President of Ojudo-Ama Community, Comrade Pouye Gabriel.

However, attempts to reach the Ondo government for commitment proved abortive.