Evbo'Ivbiohon, Edo – The Odionwere (Head) and people of Evbo'Ivbiohon community, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, has enjoined neighboring Egbokor community to abide by the resolution by palace of the Oba of Benin.

Evbo'Ivbiohon, in a statement by it Odionwere, Pa. Amenaghamwon Osayuwu, Pastor Felix Edayi, Mr. Moses Igharo, Mr. Lucky Omoruyi, and Mr. Friday Igbinogun on Tuesday maintained that the resolution made on March 18, 2021 had brought to an the dispute between both communities that had threatened the peace of the area.

According to Evbio'Ivbiohon, they are contented with their autonomous status brought about by the palace's resolution hence they are calling on their neighbor, Egbokor to respect that in the interest of peace and unity.

"The long-standing feud between Egbokor and Evbo'Ivbiohon communities has finally been laid to rest, thanks to the wisdom and pronouncement of the Palace of the Oba of Benin. The resolution, made on March 18, 2021, in favor of Evbo'Ivbiohon community, marked the end of a dispute that had threatened the peace and harmony of the region.

"However, some individuals continue to preach unity among the communities without clearly defining what they mean. It is essential to understand that the request for autonomy by Evbo'Ivbiohon community was a response to years of marginalization, oppression, and deception by the Ogbe'Nogbon people of Egbokor Community.

"The Palace of the Oba of Benin's pronouncement was a confirmation of the autonomy of Evbo'Ivbiohon community, putting an end to the accumulated grievances. We urge the people of Egbokor and Evbo'Ivbiohon to maintain the peace they currently enjoy and not allow the ignorant few to reverse the progress made.", The statement made available to BENDEL Mirror read

It further read, "We encourage both communities to practice the values of peace, understanding, and mutual respect, and to continue to live in harmony, upholding the resolution of the Palace of the Oba of Benin. We also encourage all concerned to read the relevant documents, including:

"- The Joint MOU Community Committee report (July 1, 2017)
- Iyoba Ward peace and Conflict Resolution Committee report (2018)
- Orhionmwon Local Government Council letter (Reference No. OLG/5111/9)
- Palace of the Oba of Benin letter (January 28, 2022, Reference No. BTC.A40/VOL.LVV/107)

"Evbo'Ivbiohon community is not complaining; we are enjoying our autonomy in peace and we encourage Egbokor to do the same. Let us practice things that bring peace and unity, rather than just preaching it."