Apex Itsekiri group, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT has joined several Nigerians in sending condolence message to people of the Ancient Benin Kingdom, saying “ Benin Kingdom still represents the symbol of black civilization” and the late Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa 1 “was one of the most respected and loved traditional rulers in black Africa”.
In a press statement dated May 2, 2016 and addressed to His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa, The Edaiken of Iselu, ILOT prayed God Almighty to grant His Highness, Chiefs and people of Benin Kingdom the fortitude to bear the “great loss”.
Our Correspondent reports that the statement which was signed by Chairman and Secretary of The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Pa. J.O.S Ayomike and Barr. Edward Ekpoko respectively, also described the transited Benin Monarch as a bridge builder to the Itsekiri Nation in particular, adding that they feel his departure as much as the people of Benin do.
Meanwhile, the respected Itsekiri body has thrown its weight behind the Executive Director, Research, Planning and Statistics in the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Engr. Victor Wood, noting that when the new Board of the commission was constituted, “it was the presence of Engr. Victor Wood that gave Itsekiri hope for a change”.
According to ILOT, it took the intervention of well-meaning Itsekiri leaders to persuade Engr. Wood to accept the job and raised alarm of alleged plot to dissolve the present board of DESOPADEC without plan to reappoint him.
ILOT sought to know, “was it Engr. Wood that made Itsekiri to know that N90 million Christmas package for Itsekiri found its way into pockets of Disciples and their Cronies, or was it because Victor Wood refunded N4 million shared to him from the slush fund?”
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