The Itsekiri Traditional Council, through the Warri Council of Chiefs, has raised alarm over Warri ethnic tensions and called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently set up a panel of inquiry into the conflict between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities in Warri Federal Constituency.
On Saturday, during a press briefing at the Palace of the Olu of Warri, the chiefs expressed concern over the removal of banners celebrating the 10th coronation anniversary of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh, HRM Couple Mackson Oromoni (Monbene III). The Itsekiri leaders argued that the banners were placed in their territory and should not have been removed.
“This is our homeland. We don’t want it distorted. We are for peace,” said Chief Brown Mene, Ogwa-Olusan of Warri Kingdom, while addressing journalists.
The chiefs urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident. They also asked the Ogbe-Ijoh monarch to take down banners and billboards allegedly placed in Warri South Local Government Area, pointing to a lower court ruling that declared the areas outside his jurisdiction. That ruling, however, is still under appeal.
Chief Mene stressed that Governor Oborevwori must act quickly. “They cannot be seen serving in the same government they are seeking to destabilise,” he added. The Council acknowledged that the dispute existed before Oborevwori took office but insisted he now has the duty to calm tensions and restore peace in the area.
The crisis deepened last Monday when youths reportedly tore down the Ogbe-Ijoh coronation banners. The action angered the Ijaw community and drew the attention of civil society groups.
Comrade Bene Youkore Mamamu, National President of the Niger Delta Youth Council, called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other security agencies to step in immediately. He warned that failure to act could lead to fresh violence.
Godspower Gbenekama, Fiowei (Spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, also condemned the alleged role of some security operatives in removing the banners. He argued that security forces should be protecting peace, not fueling conflict. Gbenekama urged Governor Oborevwori to organize a dialogue that would bring together the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, and other ethnic groups in Warri.
“We, the leaders, who do not want war, know what war has brought to Warri. Where there is war in Warri, the economy of Delta State and Nigeria crumbles. That is why we are calling for peace,” he said.
Warri has a long history of disputes that often turn violent, especially over land and territorial claims. Traditional leaders now warn that ignoring the growing Warri ethnic tensions could destabilize not only the local communities but also the wider Delta State economy.
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