The Itsekiri Traditional Council, under the auspices of the Warri Council of Chiefs, has urged Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently set up a panel of inquiry into the ongoing inter-ethnic tensions between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities in Warri Federal Constituency.
Addressing journalists at the Palace of the Olu of Warri on Saturday, the Council expressed concern over the recent removal of banners celebrating the 10th coronation anniversary of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh, HRM Couple Mackson Oromoni (Monbene III), from parts of Warri metropolis. The Itsekiri chiefs insisted that the locations where the banners were mounted fall within Itsekiri territory.
“This is our homeland. We don’t want it distorted. We are for peace,” declared Brown Mene, Ogwa-Olusan of Warri Kingdom, who spoke on behalf of the chiefs.
The Council also called on the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
In addition, they urged the Ogbe-Ijoh monarch to remove all such banners and billboards allegedly sited in Warri South Local Government Area, insisting that a lower court had already ruled the areas were outside his jurisdiction, though the ruling is under appeal.
Mene added, “We call on His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, to urgently cause a proper investigation of this development, with a view to calling these functionaries to order. They cannot be seen serving in the same government they are seeking to destabilise.”
He stressed that while the crisis predated the Oborevwori administration, the Governor now had the responsibility to douse tensions and ensure lasting peace.
“What is more likely to cause unrest is the disregard for the rule of law,” Mene noted.
The chiefs emphasised that the Itsekiri people have consistently urged governments at all levels to uphold the law, “not minding whose ox is gored.”
The dispute escalated on Monday when youths reportedly tore down Ogbe-Ijoh coronation banners in Warri, sparking anger within the Ijaw community. The incident also drew the attention of civil society and ethnic leaders.
The National President of the Niger Delta Youth Council, Comrade Bene Youkore Mamamu, urged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other security agencies to intervene swiftly. He warned that failure to do so could lead to another bloody crisis.
Similarly, the Fiowei (Spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Godspower Gbenekama, faulted the alleged involvement of some security operatives in the removal of the banners.
“It became more worrisome because security agencies, who were supposed to maintain law and order, were the ones who fanned the crisis,” he said, calling on Governor Oborevwori to convene dialogue among the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo and other ethnic groups in Warri.
“We, the leaders, who do not want war, know what war has brought to Warri. Where there is war in Warri, the economy of Delta State and Nigeria crumbles. That is why we are calling for peace,” Gbenekama added.
