IduwiniVoice Community
Mulade Warns Against Sale of Benikrukru Land Amid Dispute
By Admin
Warri, Delta State: Prominent peace advocate and development leader, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has urged the people of Benikrukru Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, to refrain from setting a harmful precedent by selling off community land.
Chief Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, issued this caution over the weekend, addressing the leadership of the Benikrukru community, headed by Comrade Joel Tonjoh. He advised them to think carefully and avoid actions that could jeopardize the future of the community and the broader Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Mulade’s comments come in response to an alleged attempt by the Tonjoh-led administration to sell over 400 acres of community land. He described the move as suspicious, unpatriotic, and lacking any cultural or historical justification.
The environmental rights activist urged the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro Gbaraun II, as well as the elders of Benikrukru, to intervene and stop any attempt to sell off portions of the land. He argued that rather than selling, the community should support its own members who have the ability to attract investment and development to the area.
“I strongly encourage us to support any of our indigenes capable of bringing investors to Gbaramatu Kingdom, particularly to Benikrukru Community,” Mulade stated.
He further emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating individuals who have significantly contributed to the community’s growth. Without naming names, he noted that one particular individual should be given land as an equity contribution in support of their investment efforts, instead of allowing the land to be sold.
Mulade expressed concern that poverty or short-term gains should not drive the community to take actions that would harm its future. “We must avoid decisions that go against natural justice and fair play,” he said.
He also stressed that the land in Benikrukru belongs collectively to all sons and daughters of the community, who hold inalienable rights to it. He warned that any sale of land could lead to future conflicts and legal disputes.
In conclusion, Mulade reiterated his call for the community to contribute to development through equity contributions, instead of selling land. He also warned that any attempts to sell land through questionable deeds would be legally challenged.
IduwiniVoice Community
IPF Expands Leadership Base with Capt. Braboke’s Induction into College of Patrons
By Favour Bibaikefie
The (IPF) has strengthened its institutional network with the induction of respected Maritime Don, Capt. Letthemsay Braboke Inaibagha, as a patron, in a move aimed at deepening mentorship and strategic guidance within the body.
The induction took place during a high-level visit by IPF executives to Inaibagha’s residence in Ogulagha, headquarters of the Ogulagha Kingdom, where discussions centred on leadership, media responsibility, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Led by IPF President, Ozobo Austin, the delegation said the decision to bring Inaibagha into the forum’s patron cadre was driven by the need to institutionalise experience and reinforce value-driven leadership within the Ijaw media space.
According to the forum, the new patron’s track record in enterprise, youth engagement, and community development aligns with IPF’s broader objective of shaping a responsible and impact-oriented media culture.
Ozobo noted that the induction was not merely honorary but strategic, emphasizing that individuals with proven records of mentorship and community service are critical to guiding the next generation of media professionals in the region.
He said, “We are deliberate about building a structure that allows younger professionals to tap into tested experience. His contributions over the years make him a natural fit for this role.”
The IPF leadership also acknowledged Inaibagha’s longstanding, though largely private, interventions across communities, describing his influence as one that has quietly driven positive change, particularly among youths.
Responding, Inaibagha accepted the role with a call for responsible journalism and constructive engagement in advancing the Niger Delta cause. He urged practitioners to prioritise intellect and peaceful advocacy in addressing regional challenges.
“IPF should always maintain a peaceful, yet firm disposition. Your appearance may be calm, but your pen can achieve great things,” he advised.
Observers note that the induction signals IPF’s evolving focus on consolidating leadership capacity and expanding its network of seasoned patrons, as the forum continues to position itself as a key voice in shaping narratives around development, governance, and resource equity in the Niger Delta and for the Ijaw people.
IduwiniVoice Community
Oporoza Agog as Gbaramatu Kingdom Flags Off 2026 Amaseikumor Festival with Cultural Grandeur
By Favour Bibaikefie
The people of ancient Amaseikumor. Festival has officially commenced in Gbaramatu Kingdom, ushering in a week-long celebration of spirituality, culture, and communal unity.
The annual festival, which spans seven days, is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ijaw people. “Amaseikumor,” translated as “no evil should befall the community,” reflects the central theme of divine protection, thanksgiving, and ancestral reverence.
Activities for Day One, known as Ibolomoboere Day, were successfully held yesterday, drawing indigenes, cultural enthusiasts and tourists, and visitors from across the Niger Delta. The opening ceremonies featured traditional rites, prayers, and symbolic performances aimed at honouring ancestors and expressing gratitude to deities for bountiful harvests and communal peace.
The festival also serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Gbaramatu Kingdom, with displays of traditional music, dances, and age-long customs passed down through generations.
Organisers have indicated that more spiritually significant and culturally vibrant events are still ahead. Among the highlights are the anticipated Gbaraun-Egbesu Day, dedicated to the revered Egbesu deity, and the grand finale, which will feature the colourful Amaseikumor masquerade exhibition—often regarded as the climax of the festival.
Leaders of the Community noted that beyond its cultural significance, the festival reinforces unity, promotes peace, and strengthens identity among the people, while also attracting tourism and fostering cultural appreciation.
As festivities continue, expectations remain high for a successful celebration that will further project Gbaramatu Kingdom as a custodian of enduring cultural values in the Niger Delta.
By: Derick Peretengboro
The Odimodi Youth body has formally witnessed a change in leadership following the handover by the outgoing President, Comrade Laide Cyril Laide, to the newly elected President, Comrade Austin Benikurukuru.
Laide, who assumed office in January 2023 after taking over from Tarede Ebiarede, completed a two-year tenure marked by active youth engagement and organizational stewardship. The transition took place during the final Odimodi Youth Congress presided over by the outgoing Executive Council.
The congress was held on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at Eluwe House, Odimodi, where formal documents and responsibilities were handed over to the new leadership team.
The congress was held on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at Eluwe House, Odimodi, where formal documents and responsibilities were handed over to the new leadership team.
Sources close to the incoming President disclosed that an enlarged inauguration ceremony for the new Executive Council has been scheduled for January 10, 2026. The event is expected to bring together community leaders, youth stakeholders, and invited guests to formally usher in the new administration.
The peaceful handover has been widely described by observers as a positive signal of unity, democratic maturity, and continuity within the Odimodi youth structure.