Delineation: Itsekiri leaders clear the air on Tinubu’s intervention, say pronouncement didn’t alter judicial status of any LGA

The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT, has rejected attempts by any group to present contested interpretations as settled outcomes of President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, regarding proposals by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to delineate units, wards and constituencies in Warri Federal Constituency.   

Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, in an electronic statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Tuesday June 16, noted that while the Itsekiri Nation remains committed to peaceful dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and constructive engagement with all stakeholders, it became necessary to emphasize that President Tinubu, did not make any pronouncement altering the judicially recognized status of any local government area, contrary to certain public claims.

Sir Mene, one of the Itsekiri delegates to the meeting convened by President Tinubu on 11th June and the meeting held at Office of National Security Adviser, NSA, June 12, urged all parties to refrain from misinformation, avoid actions capable of escalating tensions, and support ongoing efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace, unity and development within the Warri Federal Constituency.

Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene

The Itsekiri leader, expressed concern over what he described as misleading interpretations and misrepresentations of the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying recent newspaper advertorials and public statements issued by certain Ijaw and Urhobo groups, do not accurately reflect the spirit and outcomes of the engagements convened by the President.

“With respect to Warri South Local Government Area, issues concerning the nomenclature of certain wards were discussed. Similarly, discussions relating to Warri South-West Local Government Area focused on representation, inclusiveness and mechanisms for maintaining peace among the constituent ethnic nationalities.

“The President subsequently directed that representatives of the affected ethnic groups engage further, under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to explore areas of consensus and develop proposals capable of promoting long-term stability within the Warri Federal Constituency.

“Pursuant to this directive, representatives of the Itsekiri and Ijaw ethnic nationalities met on June 12, 2026, at the Office of the National Security Adviser. The meeting was attended by the National Security Adviser and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

“During the engagement, various proposals relating to representation and power-sharing arrangements within the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II were discussed. These discussions formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and ensuring that all stakeholders have confidence in the process. Deliberations on these matters remain subject to further consultations, legal requirements and constitutional processes where applicable.

“The Itsekiri Nation further notes that President Tinubu consistently urged all parties to pursue dialogue and consensus and cautioned against actions capable of undermining peace or frustrating efforts towards an amicable resolution. The President stressed the importance of cooperation among stakeholders and the need to avoid inflammatory narratives capable of heightening tensions in the area”, the ILOT Scribe, explained.

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