A popular socio-cultural group in Edo State, Owan Conscience, has cried out over alleged marginalisation of Owan Nation, a major ethnic nationality in Edo North Senatorial District, while calling on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to come to its rescue.
It will be recalled that the leadership of Owan Conscience recently paid a courtesy visit to Governor Okpebholo in Government House, expressing the collective concern of the marginalised Owan people regarding distribution of political appointments and elective offices in the state.
The Chairman of Owan Conscience, who doubles as former Chairman of Owan Local Government Area, Barrister Richard Ofen-Imu, at the weekend addressed traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, women leaders of various communities on awareness and sensitisation.
The communities visited within Owan West and East Local Government Areas are Sobe, Aoma, Okpuje, Eruere, Ora, Emai, Afuze, Ihievbe, Warrake and Ivbiaro.
According to Ofen-Imu,”it is with a deep sense of responsibility and pride that I stand before you today on behalf of Owan Conscience. This gathering is not just another meeting, it’s a defining moment in our collective journey as a people bound by history, culture and a shared destiny.
“Owan Conscience is a socio-cultural group, whose aim is to advance the interest, unity and development of Owan. This initiative was birthed by the desire to give Owan her pride of place in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Edo State and nip off the political marginalisation that Owan has suffered over the years.
Continuing, the leader of the socio-cultural group said,”Owan Conscience did not emerge out of convenience, it was born out of necessity. The time has come for us to rise above division.
“Whether from Owan East or West, whether young or old, whether politically aligned or not, we must recognise that our strength lies in our unity.
“We must speak with one voice on matters that affect our future. A divided Owan cannot stand, but a united Owan is unstoppable.”
At the well attended town hall meeting at Ihievbe in Owan East Local Government Area, Dr. Austin Osifo, a Polytechnic lecturer, advocated for oneness.
His words, “I have been an advocate of oneness. After governor Okpebholo from Edo Central, it’s now the turn of Owan Nation in Edo North. We have been relegated to the background for a long time now and we need to wake up.”
At Ivbiaro, a sleepy community in Owan East, Barrister Abdul Oroh, a former member of the House of Representatives, who stormed the meeting held at Ozeto Hotel with supporters stated clearly that Owan people have capable hands to fill positions at all levels, while also condemning the rising insecurity bedevilling the country.
Also at Eruere in Owan West, the Orhe of Iuleha land, decried the marginalisation of Owan nation, while calling for unity and togetherness at all times.
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