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Tag: Itsekiri

  • Itsekiri leaders caution over proposed Okpe sub-palace in Sapele

    Itsekiri leaders caution over proposed Okpe sub-palace in Sapele

    The Chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinije, Esq., has raised serious concerns about the planned foundation-laying ceremony for a Sub-Palace in Sapele Town by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, held at the weekend.

    In a statement made available to newsmen, Ukubeyinije said the attention of the Itsekiri people was drawn to a public invitation circulated on social media by the Orodje of Okpe, stressing that Sapele is not the exclusive town of the Okpe people.

    He reaffirmed that Sapele historically belongs to the Itsekiri nation, a position supported by documented historical and colonial records, while noting that other ethnic groups have long coexisted peacefully within the town.

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    Ukubeyinije cited the 1930 Colonial Intelligence Report on the Okpe-Sobo clan, authored by L. E. A. Fellows, which listed the recognised Okpe villages as Amukpe, Elume, Orerokpe, and Gbukurusu, with no mention of Sapele as an Okpe settlement.

    He further clarified that the judgment in Chief Ayomano v. Ginuwa II (JELR 81222, WACA), often cited by the Okpe Kingdom, did not grant ownership of Sapele to the Okpes but rather awarded them a defined area of 510 acres of land, the boundaries of which are well known.

    According to him, any attempt to exercise authority or erect traditional structures beyond the legally granted 510 acres would amount to an encroachment and could trigger avoidable communal tension.

    Ukubeyinije emphasised that while the Itsekiri people remain committed to peace and lawful coexistence, any action capable of undermining historical truth and legal boundaries will be resisted through all lawful means, urging restraint in the interest of peace in Sapele.

  • Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri to engage governor on funding

    Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri to engage governor on funding

    Elders and leaders of Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities in Delta South Senatorial District have reviewed their development strategy, with plans to engage the Delta State Government on issues affecting their communities.

    The leaders, under the auspices of the Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders’ Forum (3Is), are seeking dialogue with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to address concerns relating to infrastructural development, funding of intervention agencies and inclusive governance.

    A source familiar with discussions at a meeting held in Warri on Tuesday, said the elders agreed on the need to interface with the governor on challenges facing the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the spread of major infrastructure projects across the state and improved communication between the government and community elders outside active partisan politics.

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    According to the source, the forum observed that since the current administration, there had been limited public information on DESOPADEC’s budgetary operations, and the commission appeared to be suffering from timely release of funds “despite the more than triple increase of the monthly derivation money from FAAC.” 

  • Itsekiri community seeks ‘white paper implementation on Sapele lands’

    Itsekiri community seeks ‘white paper implementation on Sapele lands’

    • ...Demands halt on pipelines installations

    Abigborodo community in Warri North council area of Delta State, has called on the government to take a definite decision on the white paper report of their alleged ownership of Ugbekoko and Uton Iyatsere lands in Sapele council area.

    The community is demanding an immediate halt to ongoing pipeline installations by Seplat Energy Plc in the area, until the company engages the community as host to its oil facilities in oil mining lease (OML) 41.

    At a news conference at the community’s town hall, the people warned against deployment of security agents to intimidate or suppress their legitimate protests over its lands in Ugbekoko, Uton Iyatsere and Abigborodo.

    Leaders of the community accused the company of proceeding with new pipeline projects without consultation, despite repeated petitions and documentary evidence establishing Abigborodo’s ownership of the affected lands. 

    They said the actions of the company were in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 and the Host Communities Development Regulations of 2022, which mandate oil companies to engage and recognise their host communities.

    Further calling on the Delta State Government to urgently implement the white paper arising from a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve, published in gazette no. 1 of 2021, they claimed it affirmed Abigborodo’s ownership of the disputed lands and made recommendations for recognition and compensation.

    They also drew attention to the report of the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee set up to investigate complaints against Seplat, which reportedly concluded that Abigborodo and Ugbekoko are host communities. 

    According to them, the failure of government to act on the committee’s findings had left the community marginalised and excluded from benefits accruing from oil operations in the area.

    “The commencement of pipeline operations without resolving earlier disputes leaves much to be desired,” the community declared, warning that such actions could fuel communal crises and social unrest in the Niger Delta.

    Answering questions from reporters, the chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee, Misan Ukubehinje Esq., stated that unless SEPLAT engages meaningfully with Abigborodo, tensions could escalate.

  • Itsekiri group insists on justice, equity for peace in Warri

    Itsekiri group insists on justice, equity for peace in Warri

    The Itsekiri Progress Club (IPC) has reacted to an appeal by the Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS) for a brokered peace among traditional rulers in Warri, Delta state, insisting that genuine peace can only be achieved on the foundation of justice, equity, and respect for established territorial boundaries.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Tosan Popo, and Secretary, Mr. Godwin Oris Okotie, the IPC commended the URS’s peace initiative, but maintained that peace efforts must be guided by truth and legality.

    Warri has been recently plagued in scuffles between the Itsekiris and Ijaws on one hand and Itsekiris and Urhobos on another owing to territorial claims and the now controversial delineation of wards in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “We appreciate the Urhobo Renaissance Society’s (URS) recent appeal for peace among traditional rulers in Warri… Ordinarily, we of the Itsekiri Progress Club ought to have embraced the peace overture with all intent and purpose. It is however, a general norm that peace can only be achieved on the platform of equity and justice,” the statement reads.

    The Club emphasised that the “elusive peace within the larger Warri territory can only be attained when the intertwining tribes are ready to accept the truth and return to the original template of territorial boundary delineation as ably and proactively captured by the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Boundary Commission.”

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    According to the IPC, “brokering peace over a dinner table of injustice will be worse than the intended purpose,” warning that “peace without justice means ignoring or glossing over important issues, which can lead to future conflicts.”

    Citing the ethnic map of Delta State, the group highlighted the demarcation of local government areas (LGAs) along ethnic lines, noting three for the Ijaw (Burutu, Bomadi, Patani), eight for the Urhobo (including Uvwie, Sapele, Ughelli North and South), and three for the Itsekiri (Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South West).

    The Club asserted that numerous judicial pronouncements had affirmed Itsekiri ownership of Warri, lamenting attempts by some groups to “annex Itsekiri lands.”

    Describing such acts as the “major threat to peace in the Warri Federal Constituency,” the statement read, “The situation in the territory is getting worse with the brazen acts of impunity being perpetuated by those who should supposedly enforce compliance and a pack of belligerent centrifugal forces attempting daylight defiance.”

    The IPC referenced what it described as “the recent attempt and temerity of the Amakosu of Ogbe Ijoh to forcefully and unlawfully extend his territory to Warri South LGA” as well as the “creation of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom from an aboriginal Itsekiri community.”

    Condemning attempts to refer to their monarch as “Olu of Itsekiri,” the statement said: “We know that there is no Ovie of Urhobo, Pere of Ijaw, or Asagba of Oshimili. Yet some find it convenient to say Olu of Itsekiri instead of Olu of Warri. What they fail to realise is that the name Warri has never been associated with any other tribe in Nigeria, pre- and post-independence, except the Itsekiri people.”

    Reiterating their openness to dialogue, the IPC insisted that peace efforts must begin with honesty and historical clarity, adding, “Until URS and others answer the burning questions about truth and justice, the issue of petitioning for peace remains elusive.”

    IPC reaffirmed commitment to coexistence, noting that Itsekiris have historically lived peacefully with other ethnic groups across Delta State, including in Urhobo-dominated areas like Sapele and Uvwie. 

    The statement called on all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the ethnic map of Delta State, warning that Itsekiri lands would never again be ceded under any guise.

    “Itsekiris will not cede an inch of our land ever again to any tribe in the name of peace. Let’s build a harmonious and prosperous Warri where justice reigns and no tribe is oppressed,” it stated.

  • Warri delineation: Itsekiri accuse INEC of electoral fraud 

    Warri delineation: Itsekiri accuse INEC of electoral fraud 

    The credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under public scrutiny following revelations from analysis of its delineation fieldwork report of Warri Federal Constituency by the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality, accusing it of “fraud and bias” in the exercise.

    The Itsekiri people also called on the Federal Government to establish an independent judicial inquiry into the electoral umpire’s conduct in the Warri delineation saga and prosecute any official found culpable.

    At a well-attended press conference held in Ugbuwangue, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Monday, the Itsekiri people, led by the Chairman of the Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs and Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Oma Eyewuoma, described the now controversial delineation of wards and units in Warri Federal Constituency as “fraudulent, unconstitutional, and ethnically biased.”

    “We are not asking for anything unusual. We are asking for the right thing to be done. Let INEC obey the law and stop being a tool for ethnic bias and electoral manipulation,” said the Ologbotsere of Warri.

    A communiqué read by one of the chiefs, Brown Mene, and released to reporters, read: “As a law abiding ethnic nationality, we are not against the execution of the Supreme Court Order on the re- delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.

    “We reject the bias and illegality associated with INEC execution of the said judgment. The technical sessions have shown that the coordinates of the polling units and Wards created by INEC do not correspond with the actual locations on ground.

    “We call on the Federal Government to set up an independent Commission of Inquiry to probe the actions of INEC on the re-delineation exercise that created phantom polling units and Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    “At the end of the Commission of Inquiry, INEC officials and other public office holders found culpable in the INEC charade regarded as polling units and Ward re- delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, should be appropriately punished, to act as deterrent to others with intention for similar course of action.

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    ‘We also demand the immediate implementation of all judicial decisions in the Warri Federal Constituency, including the Court of Appeal judgment on ten (10) Ward structure in Warri South LGA, for which there is no appeal.”

    In the same vein, Sir Amorighoye Mene, Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, stated that the process was “a violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s own guidelines.”

    When contacted, Nse-Abasi Udom, Head of Voter Education, Information and Publicity, in Delta state, said she could not speak on the Warri selineatiin matter. 

    “It is Abuja that is handling it. I don’t have any information on that. Abuja would handle it and decide,” she stated, declining sharing the contact of the INEC official to speak with in Abuja.

  • Don’t drag PAP into palace politics, Ijaw group tells Itsekiri

    Don’t drag PAP into palace politics, Ijaw group tells Itsekiri

    A socio-cultural organisation in the Niger Delta region, Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), has told Itsekiri stakeholders to stop their attempts to drag the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) into palace politics.

    The ICHC insisted that the PAP was designed from the beginning as a Niger Delta-wide peace instrument for development and security.

    The ICHC leader, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, said that the programme was never designed to serve the Itsekiri traditional institution or any other monarch in the Niger Delta.

    Kemepadei expressed concern over what he described as a misleading publication by one Shola Mese, who claimed that PAP under Dr. Dennis Otuaro was biased against Itsekiri.

    The group cautioned the likes of Mese, whom he identified as an aide to the Olu of Warri, to refrain from making statements that could distort the programme’s objectives in the region.

    Kemepadei noted that the Amnesty Programme was not created to serve the Itsekiri Traditional Rulers Council, nor founded as an appendage of the Olu of Warri to be remotely controlled through his appointed representative.

    He said ICHC was confident in the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, saying that since he assumed office, he had worked with diligence, inclusivity, and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said Otuaro’s track record of engaging stakeholders across ethnic divides and ensuring fairness in programme delivery stood as a testament to his capability and dedication to the beneficiaries.

    He explained that PAP was designed to address the needs of its documented 30,000 beneficiaries; delegates drawn from across the Niger Delta region, without ethnic or sectional bias.

    He said, “It is therefore inappropriate and unhelpful for any traditional authority through proxies like Dr. Mese to attempt to impose influence or create the perception that the PAP is subject to their directives.

    “The programme does not answer to the Itsekiri Palace, and its operational focus remains firmly on the empowerment, reintegration, and welfare of its registered beneficiaries across all Niger Delta communities.

    “We caution the Olu of Itsekiri and his proxies to refrain from actions or statements that could fan the embers of discord or present a distorted narrative about the PAP’s operations.

    “Such a path, if replicated by other traditional rulers, risks undermining the fragile peace and stability of the region; peace which is essential for governance, development, and even the effective administration of traditional domains.

    “We therefore urge His Majesty to respect the sanctity of his office and exercise the moral restraint befitting the honour and responsibility that comes with the revered Itsekiri throne”.

    Kemepadei explained that the era of disarmament under the PAP had long gone, and the Itsekiri people, like every other ethnic nationality, should understand the current stage of the programme.

    He said, “The current phase is reintegration for already documented beneficiaries, not an avenue to reopen old disarmament claims or alter established beneficiary lists.

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    “In addition, the ICHC vehemently condemns the recent remarks by Dr. Shola Mese, who has attempted to mislead the public by suggesting that the PAP under Dr. Dennis Otuaro is skewed against the Itsekiri people.

    “Such claims are not only false but are calculated to stir unnecessary ethnic tension. While Dr. Mese claims to have been involved in the disarmament phase years ago, that era is over.

    “The PAP is now in its reintegration phase, which operates strictly on the basis of the existing list of beneficiaries, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and others alike, without room for ethnic favouritism, blackmail or political manipulation.

    “We remind Dr. Mese that his appointment as Sole Itsekiri Representative to the PAP Office in 2024, courtesy of the Olu of Itsekiris’ recommendation, does not confer authority to dictate programme policy or undermine the Administrator, the PAP can never answer to the palace.”

  • Activist advocates Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri unity for development in Delta

    Activist advocates Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri unity for development in Delta

    Niger Delta environmentalist, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on ethnic nationalities in Delta state, particularly the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnicities, to set aside their differences and embrace unity for the socio-economic growth and development of the state.

    In a passionate appeal, the United Nations Peace Ambassador specifically urged the trio ethnic groups which he described as the economic livewire of the state, to work together to attract development and investment opportunities for the benefit of all Deltans.

    “We cannot continue to fight ourselves, oppose development, and chase away investors that will create employment opportunities for our teeming youths because of selfish interests,” Mulade said.

    He also appealed to traditional rulers and political leaders across the state to shun hatred and embrace peace, stating, “I want to strongly advise our revered traditional rulers and political leaders to embrace peace, unity, and development for the interest and progress of our dear state.”

    Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), expressed confidence in the commitment of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to bringing development to the state.

    According to him: “It is pertinent to state that the current Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the State Government led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori are doing everything humanly possible to attract investors to the state through the ongoing state projects and federal presence.”

    He emphasised the need for the three ethnic groups to unite and play pivotal roles in supporting government efforts toward economic and social progress.

    “Delta State is blessed with abundance of human capital and natural endowments. Rather than fighting ourselves, let us harness our collective influence across the State to support the Governor and President so that Deltans can enjoy the dividends of democracy as the economic heartbeat of Nigeria,” he said.

  • Alleged marginalisation: Itsekiri, Ijaw, Ilaje graduates to cripple Chevron’s operations

    Alleged marginalisation: Itsekiri, Ijaw, Ilaje graduates to cripple Chevron’s operations

    Give 21 days ultimatum

    Graduates of Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje ethnic nationalities in Delta and Ondo states, have threatened to shut down operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), in 21 days over alleged “gross marginalisation and oppression” of its host communities.

    Under the auspices of National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG), (KOMBOT) – Egbema and Gbaramatu Graduates Employment Front and National Association of Ilaje Graduates (NAIG), the graduates called for urgent intervention by Chevron Mid-Africa (CNL-NMA).

    A letter jointly signed by Presidents and Secretaries of the groups – Ben Eburajolo and Comr. Esiategiwa Mino (Itsekiri); Comr. Olaye Tare and Comr. Kin Ijoukumoh Charles (Ijaw), as well as Ikuesan Ademola Kelly and Temidunmi Adeyemi Akins (Ilaje), said several  letters written to Chevron on the subject were ignored. They listed eight demands including an end in “secret employment” by the oil firm.

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    Other demands include giving 70 per cent of all employments to host communities; conversion of all host community contract staff which includes VTP 5 and VTP 6 to regular staff with full benefits; giving host community contractors opportunity to tender and bid  for drilling contracts or given right of first refusal in the award of drilling contracts, well head maintenance, production, procurement, reinstatement of one (Engr.) Timmy Okeoghene Okirika, as well as reservation of certain positions for host communities.

  • We won’t guarantee oil, gas flow from January 1, Itsekiri community tells FG

    We won’t guarantee oil, gas flow from January 1, Itsekiri community tells FG

    The people of Tisun, an Itsekiri community in Warri North Council area of Delta State, have warned that there may be a drop in oil and gas production from January 1, 2024, over perceived neglect and lack of development in the community.

    Alerting the Federal Government to their plight, Chairman of the Community Management Council, David Odeli, in a statement Friday, accused Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) of denying them of their yearly benefits.

    Noting that the people are embittered, he disclosed that the community was on the verge of being eroded by ocean surge and exploitation of crude oil by Chevron.

    Odeli also accused federal and state government agencies responsible for developing oil producing communities of failing in their duties.

    He stated, “the Federal Government should not hope to get sufficient oil and gas production from the swamp operations in Warri North Local Government Area, from January 1, 2024, because there’s obvious tendencies that there’s going to be very serious hostility in the swamp.

    “Over the years, there has been nothing to show for the huge resources drawn from Tisun and our neighbouring communities, there are no basic amenities, the environment has been completely destroyed and our people impoverished.

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    “I know the huge expectations on my shoulders from the people of Tisun, as leaders in the community. As I speak to you (in telephone chat) Chevron Nigeria Limited, has denied people of Itsekiri host communities our yearly benefits, including the social benefits we usually get from Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC), despite the approval by Committee Engagement Management Board (CEMB).”

    “Let’s take a critical look at the agencies responsible for the development of the communities, from the state to the federal level, you will discover that the agencies have no developmental links with the oil and gas bearing communities. The initial agreement and relationship we had with Chevron Nigeria Limited, had gone sour.”

  • Development of Itsekiri communities to begin soon – Emami

    Development of Itsekiri communities to begin soon – Emami

    Itsekiri communities will soon begin to experience development from the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has said.

    Emami spoke at the celebration of his “sixth year anniversary as Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom,” which was held at his palatial residence in Egbokodo, Warri South council area of Delta State, Friday.

    Addressing newsmen amidst the pomp, he revealed that he only presented issues of “Itsekiri interest” in the few minutes spent with President Tinubu in Abuja, recently.

    He stated that he did not have to disclose the said issues, but soon, the outcome of that meeting will begin to manifest.

    Chief Emami said, ” My own boss and father, the father of the nation, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he just assumed office and there are a lot of issues in the country that he is tackling. But the few minutes I spent with him, I did not discuss my interest.

    “The issue I discussed had to do with the interest of Itsekiri and he assured me that those issues would be looked into. So as it concerns Itsekiri, I don’t deviate and anybody can attest to it. But very soon you will begin to see the things we discussed.

    “I will keep on pursuing the interest of Itsekiri people first, before my personal interest. I don’t want to be a minister nor a board member.

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    “First, Itsekiri. How it affects our ports, the roads, development of the Itsekiri people and environs. Those are the things I had a few minutes to discuss with Mr. President and he has given me that assurance.”

    Reaffirming his commitment to preserving the customs and traditions of the Warri kingdom, he charged all Itsekiri sons and daughters to “do things right.

    “We must do things right. What I stand for is the laid down procedures of Itsekiri customs and tradition. There is no time that I will deviate from it. Once there happens to be issues to do with Itsekiri, I can stand by it against all odds,” he stressed.

    In his remarks, spokesman of the Ologbotsere Descendants Worldwide, Alex Eyengho, said the anniversary coincided with the General Assembly of the Ologbotsere family which began on Thursday.

    He said Friday’s ceremony was to offer prayers and libations to their ancestors.