Itsekiri raises alarm over alleged plot to disrupt Olu of Warri’s visit

The Itsekiri National Association in Canada (INAC) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to disrupt the planned visit of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to Itsekiri communities in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government, Delta State.

The association called on Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and security agencies to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of the revered monarch and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The Olu of Warri is scheduled to pay a traditional royal visit to the Itsekiri community of Ugbolokposo in Uvwie Local Government Area as part of his customary responsibilities to his subjects.

In a statement jointly signed by the association’s President, Fiogho Tonwe; Secretary, Owen Fregene; and Executive members, Tosan Eyide and Oritseweyinmi Adodo-Obadoni, INAC described attempts to prevent the monarch from visiting Itsekiri communities as provocative and capable of inflaming inter-communal tensions for political gain.

The association maintained that the Olu of Warri has a legitimate historical and cultural responsibility to all Itsekiri people, regardless of where they reside, stressing that his visit to Ugbolokposo and other Itsekiri communities in Uvwie should not be misconstrued as an act of aggression.

“The Olu of Warri has a legitimate and historic responsibility to his subjects wherever they reside. A visit to Itsekiri communities within Uvwie that have co-existed with their Urhobo neighbours for generations is neither an encroachment nor an act of aggression. It is the exercise of a sovereign’s duty of care to his people,” the statement read.

While acknowledging that many residents of Uvwie do not support the planned protest against the visit, the association condemned those it accused of exploiting communal sensitivities for personal relevance and political advantage.

INAC also expressed concern over what it described as the silence of the Delta State Government and the wider Urhobo political leadership, warning that failure to speak out could embolden those seeking to create tension.

“Silence from those in authority is not neutrality; it is, in effect, permission. It emboldens those who incite and abandons those who suffer the consequences,” the group said.

The association urged Governor Oborevwori to publicly reaffirm the rights of all communities to practise their traditions peacefully and defend the legitimate rights of Itsekiri people across the state.

It also called on the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and other Urhobo traditional and civic organisations to distance themselves from individuals allegedly promoting division and reinforce the longstanding peaceful relationship between the Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic groups.

INAC further appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide adequate security for the monarch, his entourage and members of the Itsekiri communities expected to receive him, while ensuring that anyone who resorts to violence or intimidation is brought to justice.

The association also urged the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria to take note of the situation and, where necessary, intervene to uphold the dignity and freedom of movement of recognised traditional rulers across the country.

Reaffirming its support for Itsekiri communities in Delta State, INAC said the international community was closely watching developments and called on political and traditional leaders to act decisively in the interest of peace.

“Peace is possible. It has always been possible. But peace requires courage from those in leadership—the courage to speak, to intervene and to refuse to be silent when silence itself becomes a form of complicity,” the statement added.