By Elo Edremoda,The Nation
Copyright thenationonlineng
Following the recent upheaval in Warri, Delta State, the Itsekiri people have called on the Pere Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom, HRM Monbene III, to restrain his subjects and other supporters from causing more mayhem in the area.
The Itsekiri people through the Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs, described the events as an illegal attempt to extend the Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom’s territory into Warri South Local Government Area (LGA), a move they claim has already led to bloodshed and property destruction.
Speaking at a briefing at the Olu of Warri’s palace on Saturday, the Chiefs alleged that a recent midnight armed assault on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Pessu Community left vigilante leader, Dele Ogunbayo dead, with the attackers allegedly escorted by military personnel linked to a private firm owned by an ex-militant.
Chief Mene Brown, flanked by other Chiefs of the kingdom, while reading the statement to reporters, alleged that the Ogbe-Ijoh monarch was attempting to assert sovereignty over Warri South by force and stealth.
This latest escalation is part of a long-standing boundary dispute between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups.
The Itsekiris insisted that legal rulings, including a landmark 2024 decision in W/147/2020 HRM Amaokosu Mobene vs. the Governor of Delta State, have affirmed their rightful claim to the disputed areas.
Despite this, they accused the Ogbe-Ijoh people of continuing to lay claims to Warri South, evidenced by the erection of signposts and banners proclaiming their domain across local government boundaries.
The statement alleged that military operatives escorting the attackers of the vigilante leader wore uniforms linked to the said private security firm.
It stated that the military initially denied involvement. But a later published statement on September 19, signed by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, acknowledged the operation.
The Itsekiri leaders further warned the Delta State Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against redrawing electoral boundaries based on what they described as illegal land occupations.
They cited attempts by the Ijaws to legitimize their presence in government residential areas (GRA) under the guise of community expansion.
The statement said: “There is no such place as Bolou-Ama or Smooth Community in Warri South. These are fabrications meant to forcibly rewrite history and law,” Mene said, referring to proposed ward creation in “illegally” occupied areas.
The Chiefs further demanded the immediate removal of all Ogbe-Ijoh monarch banners from Warri South, a judicial panel of inquiry by the Delta State Government, full investigation by federal security agencies, among others.
Parts of the demands read: “That His Majesty, forthwith, causes to be removed, all the said banners and billboards mounted in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria same being outside the reign of His Majesty by the judgment of the Lower Court that His Majesty has appealed against.
“That His Majesty forthwith, restrains the indigenes and people of Ogbe-Ijoh community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, including other Ijaws who are within and outside Warri and environs who are either tenants or illegally resident in the particular area of this crisis from any further acts of hooliganism and harassment of the Itsekiri people.
“That His Majesty forthwith, causes the cessation of all further threats to kill more people if His Majesty’s domain is not extended beyond what the trial court has decided.
“That the State Government should set up a Panel of Inquiry to investigate this matter and rescind its immediate statement to the effect of politicking the issue.
“That the Inspector General of Police should immediately conduct a thorough investigationinto the incidence.”
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori while at a function in Warri, Friday, said he will not speak on the matter and urged all parties to peacefully coexist.
Photo shows Chief Brown Mene, flanked by Chief Gabriel Awala (r), Chief Robinson Ariyo (l) and other Chiefs of Warri Kingdom during the press conference.
