By Florence Onuegbu
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 her, political interests have worsened long-standing disputes among the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups over land ownership and political representation in Warri.
“You may say the word genocide is harsh, but it is true.
“It happened before in Delta between 1997 and 2003 during the Warri crisis, and there is a danger that it may happen again if urgent steps are not taken,” she said.
The Igba of Warri Kingdom alleged that some groups recently held separate press conferences calling on their kinsmen to unite against the Itsekiri people.
She said the Itsekiri people had historically accommodated settlers in Warri, but alleged that some groups later laid claim to lands belonging to the Itsekiri.
Lori-Ogbebor said issues relating to land ownership in Warri had been adjudicated upon by competent courts up to the Supreme Court.
“Our neighbours know that our lands have been adjudicated upon, yet tensions persist because we are peace-loving people,” she said.
The Itsekiri leader alleged that the relocation of the headquarters of Ogidigben Local Government Area during the administration of former Gov. James Ibori contributed to the crisis that engulfed Warri between 1997 and 2003.
She also alleged that the creation of wards in Warri without due process deepened tensions in the area.
“What is at stake here is the struggle for control and political influence in the area,” she said.
Lori-Ogbebor called on the Federal Government to revisit issues surrounding the creation of wards and local governments in Warri, warning that failure to address the concerns could heighten tensions.
She also renewed the call for the creation of Warri State, saying it would enhance representation and development for the Itsekiri people.
“We want Warri State because we believe it meets the requirements for state creation and will give our people greater representation,” she said.
She further alleged that the Itsekiri people had been displaced from some areas historically regarded as their territory.
The Itsekiri leader urged the Federal Government to ensure that existing court judgments on land ownership in Warri were respected and implemented.
“We want all judgments concerning our land to be respected and enforced,” she said.
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
