Delineation Hullabaloo: Odokun Youth Council expresses disappointment in Governor Oborevwori’s silence

The Odokun Youth Council, OYC, has expressed disappointment in the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, over what it described as a troubling silence on the raging controversy surrounding INEC’s proposal for delineation of units, wards and constituencies in Warri Federal Constituency.

The group, stated that its deep concern as it relates to Governor Oborevwori’s silence, was as a result of the far-reaching implications the controversy may have on the peace and stability in Delta State.

OYC’s position, was contained in a statement authored by its Chairman, Comr. Conget Mele and Secretary, Comr. Samson Boyo.

Whilst expressing worry over the “sustained campaign of misinformation and false narratives being propagated by agents of unrest within the Warri Federal Constituency”, the OYC leadership, opined: “Delta State Government, through its silence, has become an accomplice in this unfolding crisis.”

The statement, which was made available to Fresh Angle International, Tuesday June 2, noted: “As a body committed to youth development and the promotion of peace and stability across the riverine communities of the Warri Federal Constituency, the Council strongly condemns what it considers a fraudulent ward delineation proposal by INEC. It also rejects the persistent claims by certain Ijaw and Urhobo groups regarding the implementation of the proposed delineation.

Comr. Conget Mele

“The Council warns that if the matter is not properly addressed, it could undermine the existing peace in the region and pose a serious threat to lives, property, and critical government assets.

“The Council notes with concern what it describes as a coordinated effort by sections of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups in Warri to advance narratives aimed at overturning established judicial decisions that have affirmed the rights and interests of the Itsekiri people. Such actions, it argues, amount to an attempt to achieve through political pressure what has not been secured through the courts.

“Particularly troubling is the recent statement credited to Chief Godspower Gbenekama of Gbaramatu Kingdom, suggesting that the title of the Olu of Warri should be changed to “Olu of Itsekiri.” The Council finds this position both historically inaccurate and intellectually dishonest.

“The institution of the Olu of Warri predates the Nigerian state itself and remains one of the oldest traditional institutions in the Niger Delta. Attempts to rewrite or diminish its historical significance are viewed as deliberate provocations capable of inflaming ethnic tensions.

“The Council further expresses disappointment in the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what it perceives as a troubling silence on an issue with far-reaching implications for peace and stability in Delta State.

“While the government acted swiftly to address the Sapele–Okpe land dispute, it has remained conspicuously silent on allegations surrounding the proposed delineation exercise, including claims that coordinates from neighboring Edo and Ondo States were incorporated and that several Itsekiri communities were wrongly attributed to other ethnic groups.

“The Odokun Youth Council therefore calls on INEC to immediately commence a fresh, transparent, and credible delineation exercise that accommodates the interests and concerns of all ethnic stakeholders within the Warri Federal Constituency.

“The Council also urges all parties to desist from inflammatory rhetoric, historical distortions, and actions capable of threatening the fragile peace of the region.

“Failure to address these concerns fairly and transparently, the Council warns, may deepen tensions and create conditions that could lead to avoidable conflict.”

×