Itsekiris, Urhobos to INEC: Upload proper names, allocation of three wards as previously presented in Warri GRA

The Itsekiris and Urhobos of Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to upload what they described as the proper names, structure and allocation of the three (3) wards as previously presented in Warri GRA, in consultation with their designated focal persons.

Fresh Angle International, can report that leaders of Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities of Warri South Local Government Area, who made the call in Warri, Friday June 19, during a world press conference, vowed that if INEC fails to immediately upload the “proper names, structure and allocation of the three (3) wards”, they may be compelled to seek appropriate legal redress before the courts.

Warri-based Legal Practitioner, Chief Robinson Ariyo, who read a joint press statement of the Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, stated that INEC has failed to implement the outcomes of the mediation process facilitated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team of mediators, who waded into the tension that followed proposal by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to delineate units, wards, state and federal constituencies in Warri Federal Constituency.

While appreciating President Tinubu, for his efforts geared towards resolving the lingering crisis, the Itsekiri and Urhobo leaders, in the joint statement signed by Prince Yemi Emiko, Chief (Barrister) Robinson Ariyo, Mr. Godwin Abigor, Dr. Onojeghwo O. Mavis and Chief Kpesu Bernard Erukakpomreh, noted: “Contrary to claims made by some Ijaw and Okere Urhobo people, the President did not make any definitive pronouncements on the broader delineation issues. Rather, he directed only the Itsekiri and Ijaw parties to engage in discussions aimed at developing a mutually acceptable rotation formula in Warri South West and Warri North Local Government Areas.

L-R: Chief (Dr.) Westham Adehor, Chief (Amb.) Joachim Osevwerha, Chief Godday Onotor & Mr. Oritseweyinmi Emmanuel Agbonekuya Aginejuone

“President Tinubu, emphasized the need for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, noting that prolonged litigation and post-litigation disputes, would not foster the peace and stability required for the socio-economic development of the Warri Federal Constituency

“It may interest the world to know that during the meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Thursday June 11, 2026, President Tinubu, acknowledged outstanding concerns relating to the proposed ward structure in Warri South Local Government Area, particularly issues surrounding the names, composition, and structure of three newly introduced wards in the GRA area of Warri South, which were reportedly allocated to the Ijaw ethnic group.

Some Itsekiri & Urhobo men/youths, in attendance

“The President, cautioned all parties that failure to reach an amicable resolution could result in the matter being referred back to the courts, including the possibility of returning to the Supreme Court, if it becomes apparent that the judgment at the center of the dispute cannot be effectively implemented. We have also observed and we vehemently protest the apparent disregard of the directives and inputs of Mr. President and his team of mediators regarding the correction of the names, structure, and allocation of the three (3) wards as previously presented during the mediation meeting held at the Villa.

 “Mr. President and his team of mediators accordingly assured all parties that the correct ward names, structure, and allocation would be reflected through the reassignment of the said three (3) wards. Regrettably, this has not been effected. Indeed, no review appears to have been undertaken, as the recently uploaded delineation on the INEC website does not reflect the corrections advised by Mr. President and his team of mediators. We view this development as a clear disregard for, and disrespect of, the peace intervention of Mr. President and his team of mediators.

L-R: (Front Row) Hon. Omimi Esquire, Hon. Godwin Abigor, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Ijabor & Chief Vincent Okudolor

 “Recent reports on social, new and traditional media, credited to the Chief Godspower Gbenekama and Chief Victor Okumagba Led groups of Ijaws and Okere Urhobos as it relates to Warri South Local Government Area, have misled the public about the outcomes of the meeting recently held in the Presidential Villa, Abuja at the instance of President Tinubu.”

Chief Westham Adehor, who also spoke during the briefing, called on the federal government to institute independent panel, to ascertain if there are Ijaw communities in Warri South Local Government.  

“Nothing has gone wrong. INEC and FG are on the matter, the three controversial names will be dropped from INEC's portal”, Chief Adehor, assured.

A cross section of Itsekiri & Urhobo Women, during the press briefing 

While Prince Yemi Emiko, stressed the need for High Chief Government Ekpemupolo and Engr. Matthew Tonlagha to focus on Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas, telling the duo not to stretch their hands to Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Mavis Onojeghwo, appealed to the federal government and INEC, to allow peace reign in Warri South.

Youth leaders and women of Itsekiri and Urhobo extractions, spoke in the same vein during the well-attended media parley.

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