Warri, Delta State – August 4, 2025 – The Itsekiri Public Affairs Committee (IPAC) has released a robust rebuttal to a recent open letter by the Truth Advocates of Niger Delta, titled “Truth Is Not Tribal – Stop Delaying Justice in Warri.” The IPAC, representing the Itsekiri people, denounces the Ijaw letter as filled with distortions and inflammatory rhetoric aimed at rewriting history, undermining legal precedents, and destabilizing peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The rejoinder, titled “Truth Rooted in History: The Itsekiri Legacy of Warri,” asserts the Itsekiri’s unassailable claim to Warri, rooted in centuries of documented history and court rulings.
The Ijaw advocates’ letter, which accuses the Itsekiri of colonial favoritism and royal propaganda, claims Warri is a contested land where the Ijaw are the aboriginal owners. The IPAC rejects this narrative, stating that Warri, known as Iwere, is the heart of the Warri Kingdom, founded by Olu Ginuwa, a Benin prince, in the late 15th century. “We are not strangers or tenants in our ancestral homeland,” the IPAC declared, promising to correct the falsehoods with facts grounded in historical records, legal judgments, and cultural legacy.
Historical Claims Debunked
The IPAC addresses several key points raised by the Ijaw letter:
- 1. Ijaw Aboriginal Ownership Myth: The Ijaw claim they predated the Itsekiri and that Olu Ginuwa was a Benin fugitive given refuge. The IPAC calls this a gross distortion, citing historical records that confirm Ginuwa established the Warri Kingdom, founding Ode-Itsekiri as its capital. The Itsekiri, with Yoruba roots from Ijebu, Mahin, and Ile-Ife, integrated with local communities outside the three Warri Local Government areas, forming a distinct identity under the Olu’s monarchy. National Archives CSO 26/Vol. 6/08549 notes Ijaw and Urhobo chiefs signed as landlords in specific territories, not Warri township, while the Itsekiri, under Chief Dore Numa, managed land leases for the broader region. Prof. P.A. Talbot’s “The Peoples of Southern Nigeria” (1926) highlights the Itsekiri’s centralized kingdom, distinct from scattered Ijaw settlements in what today makes up Bomadi Local Government Area. The IPAC asserts Warri’s core—Okere, Igbudu, Agbassa, Ugbori, Ekurede, Odion, Pessu, and Ode-Itsekiri—has been Itsekiri territory for centuries.
- 2. Olu of Warri Title Misrepresentation: The Ijaw letter claims the 1952 title change to “Olu of Warri” was a colonial creation to extend Itsekiri influence. The IPAC calls this a deliberate misreading, stating the change from “Olu of Itsekiri” reflected the kingdom’s historical scope over Warri township and environs. CO 554/120/5 (1952) records Ijaw and Urhobo objections to administrative boundaries but does not negate Itsekiri presence or the Olu’s authority. Prof. Philip A. Igbafe’s “Benin Under British Administration” (1979) confirms Warri township as the kingdom’s heart, not a multi-ethnic freehold. The IPAC emphasizes the title’s pre-colonial roots, documented since the 15th century.
- 3. Misapplied Court Rulings: The Ijaw cite Shell v. Tiebo VII (1996), Sillo v. Military Governor (1973), and Ojakovo v. Ajomiwe (1961) to claim ownership over Warri lands. The IPAC argues these cases are misapplied: Shell v. Tiebo VII affirmed Ijaw rights in Gbaramatu, not Warri township; Sillo upheld Ijaw rights in Ogbe-Ijoh, recognizing Itsekiri ownership; and Ojakovo confirmed Urhobo rights over 210 acres in Okere, not negating Itsekiri overlordship. In contrast, Ometa v. Chief Dore Numa (1926), Omagbemi v. Chief Dore Numa (1923), and Chief Secretary v. Itsekiri Communal Lands Trustees (1970) confirm Itsekiri ownership of Agbassa, Ogbe-Ijaw, Alder’s Town, and Igbudu.
- 4. Ginuwa Narrative Reversed: The Ijaw’s claim that Ginuwa was a fugitive given refuge by Ijaws is inverted, according to the IPAC. Olu Ginuwa founded the Warri Kingdom, with followers integrating with Yoruba-related groups to form the Itsekiri identity. Prof. Obaro Ikime’s “Groundwork of Nigerian History” (1980) and CO 554/124/3 (1938) affirm Ginuwa’s establishment in Warri township, dismissing the Ijaw’s narrative as a fabrication.
INEC Delineation Dispute
The Ijaw letter accuses INEC of delaying ward delineation due to Itsekiri pressure, ordered by Timinimi v. INEC (SC/CV/1033/2023). The IPAC calls this a distortion, stating the Itsekiri do not oppose delineation but demand a process respecting historical and legal realities. The Ijaw’s claim of demographic dominance is exaggerated, relying on manipulated data and ignoring Itsekiri settlements. The INEC Ward Assessment Survey (2022) is contested, with a 2024 Vanguard publication noting incomplete data on Itsekiri communities like Ugborodo and Omadino. Sunny Amorighoye on Channels Television (2025) highlighted a balanced ward structure (six Itsekiri, four Ijaw in Warri North and South-West), threatened by the Ijaw’s proposed delineation.
Defending Itsekiri Elites
The Ijaw letter names Mrs. Daisy Danjuma and Senator Oluremi Tinubu as “shadowy influencers” pressuring INEC, calling this baseless slander. The IPAC states no evidence links these women to INEC, and the Premium Times (March 3, 2024) report relies on unverified whispers. The Itsekiri elite, including Chief Edward Ekpoko, engaged INEC lawfully at the 2025 South-South Zonal Hearing, demanding a Warri State to protect rights, not obstruct delineation, unlike the Ijaw’s unproven accusations of “gunrunning” and “militias” echoing the 1997 and 2003 crises.
OPC Role Clarified
The Ijaw vilify the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) as “saboteurs.” The IPAC counters that the OPC’s 2025 statement, reported by Tribune Online, expressed concern over INEC’s irregularities, aligning with Itsekiri grievances rooted in Yoruba heritage. The OPC’s call for adherence to Ometa v. Chief Dore Numa defends legal precedent, not a threat, while the Ijaw’s “consequences” warning risks peace since 1997.
Itsekiri Counter-Case
Warri is Iwere, the heart of the Warri Kingdom, established by Olu Ginuwa in the 15th century. Its core—Warri township, Ode-Itsekiri, Okere—has been Itsekiri territory, supported by Ometa v. Chief Dore Numa (1926), Omagbemi v. Chief Dore Numa (1923), and Chief Secretary v. Itsekiri Communal Lands Trustees (1970); CO 554/124/3 (1938); and Prof. Obaro Ikime’s work. The Ijaw’s 2024 claim by Victor Okumagba is dismissed, with the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict (1998) recognizing the Olu’s authority over Itsekiri lands, acknowledging Ijaw and Urhobo rights elsewhere.
Demands and Conclusion
The IPAC demands fair delineation per Timinimi v. INEC, respect for precedents like Ometa v. Chief Dore Numa (1926), an end to Ijaw threats risking 1997 and 2003 crises, protection of Itsekiri rights, and INEC transparency on data. “Warri is Iwere, not a contested freehold,” the IPAC states, rejecting the Ijaw’s “tenancy” narrative as baseless. They call on INEC to uphold justice with equitable data, urging the Ijaw to embrace dialogue, ensuring Warri’s strength in shared heritage.
Signed: Mr Oritsegbubemi A Edema, Mr Tuale Aderojo, Mr Bright Omaghomi and Doctor Samuel Fregene.
Cc: Chairman, INEC; President of Nigeria; Chief Justice of Nigeria; National Security Adviser; DSS Director-General; Attorney General; Delta State Governor; NBA; NHRC; Stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency.
