A CALL TO HALT ATTACK OF ITSEKIRIS BY IJAWS AND THE URGENCY TO DIRECT INEC TO IMMEDIATELY CREATE ALTERNATIVE CENTRE FOR ITSEKIRIS IN WARRI SOUTH - WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Iwere Indigenous People's Movement, IIPM

Motto: To Protect The Territorial Integrity of Itsekiri Nation

September 17, 2025                            

The President and Commander - In - Chief,

Federal Republic of Nigeria                           

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR                      

Aso Villa                                           

Abuja,                          

Your Excellency,                           

A CALL TO HALT ATTACK OF ITSEKIRIS BY IJAWS AND THE URGENCY TO DIRECT INEC TO IMMEDIATELY CREATE ALTERNATIVE CENTRE FOR ITSEKIRIS IN WARRI SOUTH - WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TO CONTINUE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE BIOMETRIC/ CAPTURING EXERCISE OF THE CVR BEING CONDUCTED BY INEC                       

We, the undersigned, wish to express our strong condemnation of the recent provocative actions by the Pere Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh—a traditional ruler in Warri South-West Local Government Area—who has, in defiance of existing court judgments, caused the erection of banners within Okere Community, Warri South Local Government Area. These banners bear inscriptions insinuating that his perceived kingdom extends into Warri South, an area outside his jurisdiction.

It is imperative to note that such claims have been judicially invalidated through multiple court rulings, including landmark judgments in 1964, 2012, and most recently, 2020, delivered by Justice Marshal Umukoro.

The erection of these banners, despite the clear and binding nature of these court pronouncements, is a deliberate provocation, aimed at inciting tension and potentially disrupting the peaceful political process in Warri South and the entire Warri Federal Constituency.

This brazen act by the Ogbe-Ijoh people appears to be designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Intimidate and Distract Itsekiri Residents: By creating a climate of fear and uncertainty, particularly targeting Itsekiris from Warri South-West, thereby potentially affecting their participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Notably, this CVR is currently being conducted in Ogbe-Ijoh, which hosts the INEC office and the Warri South-West Local Government Secretariat.

2. Stage a Political and Territorial Encroachment: Despite being barred by competent courts, the banners attempt to project a false territorial claim within Warri South.

3. Sow Ethnic Discord: These actions appear calculated to exacerbate tensions between the Urhobo and Itsekiri communities in Warri South.

4. Undermine Traditional Authority: This act is also seen as a subtle attempt to challenge and undermine the traditional overlordship of the Olu of Warri, by implying that the Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom extends into Warri South, an area historically and traditionally under the Olu’s domain.

We also strongly condemn the recent attack and looting of the Warri South Local Government Secretariat and Ekurede Community by suspected Ijaw youths on September 16, 2025. This violent action is completely unacceptable and a direct assault on peace and order.

Furthermore, we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under the leadership of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to urgently relocate some CVR biometric capture machines to an Itsekiri community within Warri South-West LGA.

The security situation has made it unsafe for Itsekiris and other residents to travel to Ogbe-Ijoh for registration. This concern is reinforced by the attack on a boat returning from Ogbe-Ijoh on Tuesday, September 16, in which Itsekiri and other passengers were brutally assaulted, and some individuals remain missing.

The Itsekiri people are known as a peace-loving ethnic group, but our desire for peace must not be mistaken for weakness or inaction. We will resist any further acts of aggression, intimidation, or unlawful territorial encroachment.

We therefore call on the following authorities to act swiftly and decisively:

The Office of the National Security Adviser

The Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Elder Sheriff Oborevwori

The Delta State Commissioner of Police

All relevant law enforcement and security agencies

We urge these bodies to ensure public safety, uphold the rule of law, and prevent further breakdown of law and order. Sustainable development and peaceful coexistence in Warri can only be guaranteed when justice is respected, and impunity is not tolerated.

Signed:                                       

Emiko Oghomienor                     

Ofoyeju Izuagie                             

Appearance Afejuku                             

Samuel Meyiwa Khalil, SMK                 

Ejeh Wilson and 

David Mamah                                     

For: Iwere Indigenous People's Movement, IIPM.                           

Cc:                                         

*Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.   

*The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC                             

* The National Security Adviser                               

*The Inspector - General of Police                                         

* Defence Headquarters                             

* Chairmen of Warri South and  Warri South - West Local Government Areas.

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