History was made in Asaba on Friday as the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Hon. Ezenyili Kelvin, successfully facilitated an end to almost a decade-long dispute between Asaba and Oko Kingdoms that was triggered by a revenue-sharing disagreements.
The reconciliation ceremony, held at the Council Secretariat along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, palace chiefs, and community stakeholders.
In his remarks, Hon. Ezenyili expressed joy at the reconciliation, recalling that the disagreement, which began in 2016, stemmed from controversies over the sharing of internally generated revenue and other financial entitlements.
He noted that while both kingdoms sought legal redress through injunctions and appeals, peace achieved through dialogue and mediation remains more enduring. “It is always best to open channels for honest conversations where grievances can be aired and solutions found together,” he said.
The chairman explained that his effort toward peace began in his first tenure in 2021, but only reached fruition in his second term, with the active support of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He thanked the governor for granting permission to pursue the reconciliation process, describing the peace accord as a significant milestone in the council’s history.
Demonstrating transparency, Dr. Ezenyili announced that a total of ₦522,797,882.57 had been preserved in a special account for the monthly stipends of traditional rulers in Oshimili South, pending the resolution of the dispute. He said the gesture underscored accountability and the council’s commitment to good governance.
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), commended the chairman for his diligence and integrity in seeing the process to conclusion.
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He clarified that the issue between the two thrones never amounted to a dispute between their peoples, saying: “We remain brothers and sisters, inexplicably intertwined as part and parcel of Oshimili South. We will continue to live together as brothers in harmony.”
The Asagba further emphasized that what existed was merely a misunderstanding over administrative and financial boundaries rather than a deep-seated conflict.
He called on indigenes of both Asaba and Oko to see the reconciliation as a new chapter to strengthen social and economic cooperation, noting that peace is the foundation for development and mutual prosperity in the area.
On his part, the Akor of Oko Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Engr. Onwuka Osita I, thanked God and the council chairman for restoring peace.
“I simply want to endorse what the Asagba of Asaba has said on our behalf. The past is gone and gone forever. God will help us remain united and relate very well with each other,” he stated, reaffirming the fraternity between the two kingdoms.
The Akor also expressed appreciation to his people for their patience throughout the years of legal and administrative processes, urging them to embrace peace as the only path to progress. He pledged Oko Kingdom’s continued cooperation with Asaba and the Oshimili South Local Government Council in advancing communal development, saying the era of mistrust was over for good.
