From Ameachi Prosper(The New Diplomat’s Delta state Correspondent)
Following renewed hostilities between Igbide and Emede, the traditional ruler of Igbide Kingdom, Edward Obukeni and his Emede counterpart, Johnson Ewhiri, have been suspended by the authorities of Isoko South LGA of Delta .
The New Diplomat’s checks reveal that consequent upon this, their entitlements including salaries, would be withheld by the council while the suspension lasts.
Besides the suspension, the council said it has imposed an indefinite 24-hour curfew starting by 6pm Friday on both warring communities.
The decision to suspend the monarchs and impose curfew was contained in a statement by Okah Akpotha Fidelis, media aide to the Isoko South council chairman, Itiako Ikpokpo.
According to the Council boss, the statement arose form the outcome of a security council meeting held on Friday at Oleh, the council headquarters.
Chairman of the council, Mr. Ikpokpo, confirmed the suspension of the monarchs to newsmen, saying that a recommendation for the withdrawal of their staff of office has been made to the Delta state government.
Ikpokpo further said the council would no longer tolerate a situation where people in communities would embark on razing down houses of individuals who work hard to earn a living.
He fumed that such arson is taking place where there are monarchs and presidents general in the communities that ought to help manage conflicts.
Over five persons are said to have been killed since the outbreak of violence on Wednesday between both communities, while properties worth millions of naira had been destroyed.
The two isoko communities have been at loggerheads for years as a result of boundary dispute.
The age-long boundary dispute had between 1986 and 1987 caused the death of over a hundred persons and destruction of several houses.
However, the latest onslaught is said to be connected with an alleged leadership crisis rocking Igbide. Accusing fingers are reportedly pointed to the President General of the community who is said to be fueling the renewed crisis to perpetrate himself in power as his tenure is expected to lapse soon.
Okah, in the press statement, described the killing, destruction and arson as “acts of extreme criminality.” The statement also warned that offenders of the curfew would be severely punished.
According to the statement, official recommendations of the council on the subject matter would be communicated to the Delta state government for necessary action.
Okah added that the council also stripped the presidents- general of both Igbide and Emede of their powers , and further declared that of Igbide wanted.
