Braide commends leaders speaking for Itsekiri Nation, discloses chairmanship rotation arrangement in Ugbuwangue

President of Future Itsekiri Leaders, FIL and descendant of Agbeje and Yonwuren Families of Ugbuwangue Community in Warri South Local Government Area, Rowland Oritsegbubemi Braide, has commended Chief Robinson Ariyo Esq. Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Mene Brown and Hon. Michael Diden, for speaking out for Itsekiri Nation, as regards the controversial delineation of units, wards and constituencies in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Braide, who was presidential aspirant in the last Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youth, UIY election, great grandson of Chief Sunday Braide and grandson of Benbela (Grant) of Okere community, also gave plaudits to Prince Francis Yonwuren “for his human capacity development strides in empowering youths and widows in skill acquisition and empowerment in Ugbuwangue community.”

He stated that Itsekiris were being marginalized and treated unfairly by the Gbaramatu people and their leaders, who according to him, are trying to annex Itsekiri communities and change names of the communities.

Whilst declaring that the purported brutalization of three Itsekiri youths at a private cell in Oporoza, is unacceptable, Braide, who spoke exclusively to Fresh Angle International on the sidelines of the 2026 Ipi Awaran Festival of Ugbuwangue Community, Warri, explained: “The Ipi Awaran Festival, is an opportunity to showcase our rich culture, but sadly some of the people who have made the feast so popular are not here, people like Mr. Mayomi and especially my uncle, Mr. Abugewa Sunny Keke, who has been a strong pillar to the youths and elderly until his demise, a kind, fun loving and generous man, he is a man that would not be forgotten by Ugbuwangue people.”

On the youth chairmanship position in Ugbuwangue Community, Braide, stated; “As everyone knows, Ugbuwangue Community is a community of princes and princesses, Agbeje and Yonwuren Families.

Mother of the Ipi Awaran masquerades in Ugbuwangue Community

“I am also a descendant of both families, the community youth chairman, Prince Blacky Yonwuren, has done well. The community has been peaceful with a few developments, with his tenure coming to an end, we hope the rotation system on the chairmanship position between the two families; Agbeje and Yonwuren, continues, because currently there is no Agbeje descendant on the youth exco, this has not been a welcomed development.”

He called on all Itsekiris to support the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, “who has made major strides in bringing development to our people” adding “let all aggrieved parties, put all that has happened in the past behind us and remain united as one people with one King.”

Chief Priest of Ugbuwangue Community, Ofeoritse Patrick Izuagie (3^rd left, clad in white) dancing alongside one of the Ipis (masquarades)

Another pivotal member of FIL, Mr. Misan Pett Omatsone, who also spoke to This Digital Newspaper, said Prince Francis Yonwuren, empowered widows and old people as part of celebration of the Ipi Awaran Festival, saying he has been carrying out the empowerment for some time via Agbowosile Foundation.

Chief Mike Odeli (2^nd left) Chief Thomas Ereyitomi (middle) Hon. Aduge Okorodudu (right) & others, at the colourful socio-cultural fiesta

On his part, Commandant Yoppi Inspector, the Sociologist, warned; “When we are ready, we will come to Ijaghala fully, videos don’t tell lies, they kidnapped three of our sons and they were flogged, if not for the intervention of some of our chiefs and leaders, that cried out, maybe they would have been killed. 

“As for the Ijaghala and Kantu, we are the rightful owners and there are documents to show. We gave them the space to come and stay, even their immediate fathers didn't do what they are doing to us, because they were loyal to us.”

A Cross Section of Ugbuwangue indigenes

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