The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone (Delta, Edo and Ondo) has condemned the resolution as reached in the motion raised by Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, member representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Edo State, in the House of Representatives, demanding for the exclusion of Edo State "Ijaw" riverine terrain from the Toru-Ibe State.

The IYC Western Zone in a press statement signed by its chairman, secretary, and Information officer: Nicholas Tamaradenyefa Igarama, Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq., and Comrade Tare Magbei, respectively, also called "on all Ijaw Legislators in the National Assembly to rise to the occasion and take responsibility in protecting our common patrimony from strangers who do not mean well for us."

Fuming over the motion moved by Hon. Igbinedion, the IYC Western Zone leadership said the "claim of Ijaw territories been owned and controlled by the Benin Kingdom is not only baseless, but absolutely unfounded, as Ijaws are the aboriginal of where they reside in Edo state today, while the Benin Kingdom is only an offspring of desperate migrants from the old Oyo empire."

They emphasized that the Ijaws in Edo State do not need the permission of the Edo State Government or any ethnic group to be a part of the proposed Toru-Ibe State, stressing that "All Ijaw towns and settlements are solely domicile in the five Major Ijaw clans in Edo State and no part of our land is captured under the Monarchy of Oba of Benin."

While the IYC leadership warned the "half baked legislators" to "desist from interfering with the Ijaw decision to be part of Toru-Ibe State", they also claimed the Ijaws in Edo State have never at any point in time or in history paid tribute to the Oba of Benin, but have maintained their independence.

The IYC Western Zone further condemned the resolutions of Hon. Igbinedion and called on the National Assembly to reject the recommendation of the Ovia Federal Constituency representative and her cohorts.

They said, "We condemn in strong terms the claim that no part of Edo State can be ceded to join the proposed Toru-Ebe State: This claim, championed by the Benin Kingdom and its allies, is misleading and aimed at hindering genuine nation-building and development. The IYC and the Ijaws in Edo State do not require the permission of the Benin Kingdom—or any other group—to decide the inclusion of their ancestral lands in the Toru-Ibe State. Ijaw territories belong to the Ijaw people, and their decision regarding state creation is solely their constitutional right.

"Affirm that no individual, caucus, or regional body can offer Edo land without the consent of its people and due constitutional process: The IYC notes that Benin Kingdom is too infinitesimal to approve or consent for Ijaws to join Toru-Ibe State. We do not need permission from any individuals or group to pursue our self realisation.

"Call on the President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House to reject any recommendation involving Edo territory: The IYC in same vein call on all the the forgoing authorities to ignore the baseless claims of the Edo State government and Benin Kingdom as all aboriginal Ijaws from Edo is in sync with the creation of Toru-Ibe State.

"Urge stakeholders in the South-South region to avoid actions that endanger unity and historical integrity: The IYC cautions that the only true historical integrity of the Benin Kingdom is their migration from the old Oyo empire. So, the lay of claim on Ijaw territories is a joke taken too far. IYC therefore calls on all relevant stakeholders in the region to caution the Benin Kingdom in order not in incur the anger of the Ijaws.

"Mandate relevant committees on Constitutional Review, Intergovernmental Affairs, and State Creation to investigate the matter and uphold established boundaries: IYC also calls on all relevant authorities to swiftly look into the boundary adjustment between 5 Ijaw Kingdoms in Edo and Benin to avoid further executive rascality from the Edo State Government and Legislative Incompetence from National Assembly Members from Edo State.

"Reaffirm the commitment of the Edo people to protect their land and heritage, clearly stating that Edo land is not up for negotiation: The IYC notes that Benin Kingdom should take responsibility in protecting their lands, and reaffirm commitments to protecting the lands in Ijaw territories. Ijaw lands belong to Ijaw people and we are solely responsible for whatever decision we make with the said lands," they re-emphasized.

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