Prince Datolu Hewert Sukubo, who chairs the Eastern Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council, is furious at what he sees as an affront to the traditional rulers of the Ijaw people and the profanation of Ijaw land. Unlike the respect shown to traditional institutions in the north and Yoruba culture, Sukubo demanded to know why the decrees of the Ijaw monarchs were disregarded in a video that SYMFONI had made public.
The contempt shown by our ancient rulers was the sole source of our intense anger. Like when I was questioning a northerner about whether or not they would disobey an order from the Emir or Sultan of Sokoto. On the other hand, would any Yoruba soldier refuse to obey the Ooni of Ife's instruction to keep the area quiet? As residents of the South, we bear this burden. He inquired, "As Ijaw people, this is what we endure."
Warning that such behavior would not be permitted any longer, Sukubo urged the president to acknowledge the erosion of the traditional institution of the Ijaw nation. The president is disrespecting an ancient ritual of the Ijaw people, and we want him to know it. We will not tolerate this.
They should be aware that there are monarchs in their land whether they are use the military, the police, or anything else to accomplish their goals. Such an incident will not happen again; the moment has come. Nothing like it will ever happen again.
Frustration with what is seen as a lack of respect for Ijaw traditions and leadership is evident in the comments made by the IYC head. He cautioned that the people may become more resistant if disrespect for Ijaw traditions persisted in the midst of current hostilities.
Kindly watch video here from 0:29 to 1:38
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