BY LAMAI CASSIUS
IMIAKEBU (ETSAKO EAST): The people of Imiakebu community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have rejected moves to collapse the three Ibies federated clan structure into what they described as an “emirate dynasty.”
Addressing journalists at the palace of HRH Musa Awoh Ahmadu, the Azamanodu III of Imiakebu, the Chief of Staff to the traditional ruler, Prince Ahmadu, said the community was not consulted before the decision was announced at the palace of Mallam Ali Suleiman, the Ogieaga of the three Ibies, on October 18, 2025.
“We, the people of Imiakebu, have openly disassociated ourselves from the communique circulating on social media to change the name of the three Ibies to the Ibvie clan,” Ahmadu said.
He said Imiakebu is an autonomous village with its own traditional head and governing structures, including the village head, chiefs, elders’ council and youth representatives, none of whom were consulted before the purported communique.
Ahmadu also dismissed the alleged appointment of Mallam Braimah Inusa as Chief Imam and one Shadrach as youth leader of Imiakebu, describing both claims as “false and baseless.”
He explained that the authority to appoint a Chief Imam rests solely with HRH Musa Awoh Ahmadu, who is duly recognised and gazetted by the Edo State Government.
“The title of Ogieaga of the three Ibies is rotational among Imiakebu, Itsukwi and Imiegba. Any attempt to alter this arrangement will derail our cultural heritage,” he warned.
Ahmadu urged Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Etsako East Local Government Chairman to intervene before the issue escalates.
“We will not recognise HRH Mallam Ali Suleiman as the Ogieaga of Ibvie clan, a title alien to our laws and traditions. This move is a prototype of colonial imposition,” he said.