The Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) Stakeholders’ Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to separate the authority to resolve the recurring leadership crisis affecting its operations.
During a protest in Akure on Friday, members of the forum emphasized the need for the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to what they described as discrimination against non-Benin staff within the authority.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions appealing to the Oba of Benin to intervene and calling for an end to the alleged dominance of the authority by a particular ethnic group.
Some of the messages on the placards emphasized that BORBDA belongs to the Federal Government and serves multiple states, including Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, and Delta North Senatorial Districts.
They also pointed out that an Edo indigene had already completed two terms as Managing Director in 2024, questioning claims of marginalization by Benin youths.
Speaking to journalists, the National President of the Forum, Dr. John Ayeni, urged the National Assembly to urgently consider splitting the authority to prevent further crisis.
He accused some Benin youths of engaging in intimidation and harassment, including placing charms and occultic materials at the entrance of the authority’s headquarters in Benin City.
According to Ayeni, staff from Ekiti and Ondo States had faced persistent victimization under past leadership, making it difficult for them to work in a fair and conducive environment.
Ayeni condemned the recent actions of Benin youths who barricaded and sealed off the headquarters of the authority at Obayantor, a village 24 kilometers outside Benin City, describing their behavior as irrational, uncivilized, and misinformed.
He noted that Edo State had produced the Managing Director of BORBDA for 29 years and 9 months out of the authority’s 42-year history, challenging the narrative of marginalization.
He lamented that the recent protests at the headquarters led to the destruction of government property and the tragic death of Mr. Adekunle Oloyede from Ekiti State.
Expressing frustration over repeated incidents of violence, Ayeni called on the Tinubu administration to either split the authority or relocate its headquarters to Alagbaka, Akure, where a modern office complex and a conducive working environment already exist.
He also directed all staff from Ondo and Ekiti States to begin reporting to the Alagbaka office for their official duties to ensure their safety and productivity.
Ayeni commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr. Femi Adekanmbi as the new Managing Director of BORBDA, describing him as a resourceful, dedicated, and competent leader.
He expressed confidence that Adekanmbi would restore the authority to its former glory, given his impressive track record in administration and resource management.
Also speaking, the Ondo State Representative in the Forum, Mr. V. D. Ojo, argued that the headquarters should have been located in Ondo State, based on the original law that established the authority.
He recalled that the authority was initially split into two autonomous entities in 1984 due to agitation but was merged again in 1987 due to inconsistent government policies.
Ojo noted that stakeholders and retirees of the authority have full confidence in Adekanmbi’s ability to manage the institution effectively, describing him as a rugged and resourceful administrator.
The forum reiterated its commitment to justice and fairness, urging the Federal Government to take decisive action to prevent further crisis within the authority and ensure a more inclusive and equitable leadership structure.
