Delta North Initiative Condemns Protest at Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority, Demands Immediate Action

The Delta North Initiative for Equity, Justice, and Good Governance has observed with deep concern the ongoing blockade of the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) office in Benin City by a group of protesters claiming to represent the Bini ethnic nationality of Edo State. The protesters, who allege they are acting with the permission of the Oba of Benin, have disrupted operations at the agency for over a week without any intervention from the Nigeria Police or relevant security agencies.

The group of protesters is demanding that the position of Managing Director (MD) of the agency be awarded to a Bini indigene, despite the fact that the immediate past MD, who served two consecutive terms (eight years), was from Edo State. Additionally, historical records show that Edo State has produced the MD of the agency five (5) times—far more than any other state within the agency’s catchment area.

The Delta North Initiative wishes to remind the public that BORBDA serves four states: Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Delta. Therefore, any attempt by the Bini protesters to monopolize the leadership of the agency under false claims of host community entitlement is unjust and unacceptable.

Call to Action:

1. The Delta North Initiative urges the newly appointed MD, Hon. Dr. Femi Adekanbi, to assume office immediately and carry out his duties without intimidation.

2. Should the protests persist, we demand that the Ministry of Water Resources direct all BORBDA staff to relocate to the agency’s Asaba office in Delta State, ensuring an uninterrupted workflow.

3. We call on the Ministry of Water Resources and all relevant security agencies to take swift action to restore order and provide a peaceful and secure working environment at the Benin office.

Facts on Leadership Equity:

The Delta North Initiative presents the following record of past BORBDA Managing Directors to highlight the unfairness of the current protest:

Edo State: 5 times (I.A. Eweka, E.C. Olumese, G.E. Oteze, A.A. Osula, S.O. Ahmed)

Ekiti State: 3 times (J.F.O. Jegede, A.C. Ijasan, A.L. Ijasan)

Ondo State: 2 times (C.O. Adegbilero, E.O. Mafayeyomi)

Delta State: 1 time (I.R. Emefiene)

This record clearly indicates that Edo State has dominated the agency’s leadership since its inception. Therefore, any claims of marginalization or entitlement from Edo State are baseless.

Our Position:

The Delta North Initiative stands firmly for fairness, justice, and equity in leadership representation within the BORBDA catchment states. We will vehemently oppose any attempts to undermine the rights of other member states through intimidation, ethnic bias, or disorderly conduct.

This protest is a distraction from the agency’s vital developmental role in the region. We urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and security agencies to take immediate action to prevent further disruption and ensure peace.

Conclusion:

If the protesters fail to vacate the agency’s Benin office, we call for the immediate relocation of operations to Asaba, Delta State, where the agency can continue its mandate without further obstruction.

Signed:

Mr. Mathias Aghalor, President

Barrister Anthony Ossai, Secretary

Chief Kenechukwu Monyei, Publicity Secretary

Delta North Initiative for Equity, Justice, and Good Governance

Date: February 13, 2025 Asaba, Delta State.