Lagos: Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, the Igba of Warri Kingdom, has called on the Federal Government to ensure the protection of Itsekiri people over alleged tensions in Warri, Delta. Lori-Ogbebor made the call at a news conference on Friday in Lagos while addressing concerns over the controversy surrounding the delineation of wards and polling units in Warri. She alleged that the Itsekiri people were facing threats from neighbouring ethnic groups in the area.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, political interests have worsened long-standing disputes among the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups over land ownership and political representation in Warri. Lori-Ogbebor expressed concerns that the situation could escalate into violence similar to the Warri crisis that occurred between 1997 and 2003. She claimed that some groups recently held separate press conferences calling on their members to unite against the Itsekiri people.
Lori-Ogbebor asserted that the Itsekiri have historically accommodated settlers in Warri, but alleged that certain groups later claimed lands belonging to the Itsekiri. She noted that issues relating to land ownership in Warri had been adjudicated by competent courts, including the Supreme Court. Despite this, tensions persist, which Lori-Ogbebor attributed to the peaceful nature of the Itsekiri people.
The Itsekiri leader further alleged that the relocation of the headquarters of Ogidigben Local Government Area during former Gov. James Ibori’s administration contributed to the crisis in Warri between 1997 and 2003. She also claimed that the creation of wards in Warri lacked due process, exacerbating tensions in the region. Lori-Ogbebor emphasized that the struggle for control and political influence is central to the ongoing issues.
Lori-Ogbebor urged the Federal Government to revisit the creation of wards and local governments in Warri, warning that failure to address these concerns could heighten tensions. She also renewed the call for the creation of Warri State, arguing that it would enhance representation and development for the Itsekiri people. She alleged that the Itsekiri had been displaced from areas historically regarded as their territory.
The Itsekiri leader called on the Federal Government to ensure that existing court judgments on land ownership in Warri are respected and enforced. “We want all judgments concerning our land to be respected and enforced,” she said.