News
High Chief Gbenekama Warns Against False Claims on Ikantu, Denounce Threats from Itsekiri Elements
By Divine Perezide – IduwiniVoice
High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the Fiyewei (spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, has responded to alleged threats made by some Itsekiri individuals against the people of Ikantu, following the latter’s public reaffirmation of their Ijaw heritage.
In a video statement shared by the Gbaramatu Kingdom media team, High Chief Gbenekama strongly condemned what he described as unfounded claims by the Itsekiris over ownership of the Ikantu community. He asserted that Ikantu was historically founded by ijaw ancestors.
According to him, “I am the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, by the grace of God a kingdom that is blessed with a traditional ruler who understands the people. First and foremost, I want to thank God for the life of our people, the Ikantu people, who have come out boldly to dispel all doubts about their ancestry and where they belong to.
“We thank God for their life, and they will continue to be protected. However, information trickling into the media space suggests that there are threats to the lives of the Ikantu people for saying the truth. ”
Gbenekama emphasized that regardless of whether such reports were verified, no one held exclusive rights to violence or intimidation.
“Whether the information is right or wrong, let us put it on record that nobody has the right to violence, nobody has the monopoly of misbehaviour, and nobody has the monopoly of the social media.
“Since the beginning of the ranting of some Itsekiri elements attacking our people, I, the spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, have never made any comments. But it is now pertinent to state that nobody should touch anybody from Ikantu. We are solidly behind the Ikantu people. Should anybody stretch their hands to as much as touch the hair of any Ikantu man on account of the truth that they have said, they will incure the wrath of the gods of Gbaramatu Kingdom that I know will not hesitate to take action.”
He issued a direct warning that any act of aggression against Ikantu would be met with spiritual consequences from the Gbaramatu deities.
“To be forewarned is to be forearmed,” he said.
High Chief Gbenekama also addressed individuals of Ijaw descent who have been aligning with the Itsekiris, urging them to reconnect with their true heritage.
“And let me also say, all those children of Gbaramatu that are claiming to be Itsekiri, please trace your ancestry. I am using this video to tell people like Ayiri Emami-they are struggling to remove you from the Ologbosere of the Itsekiri Kingdom because you have ancestry. You have Ijaw ancestry, that is why they are struggling to remove you.. you are there going to defend them in the NSA office. Well, nobody will stop you, but retrace your steps and roots.”
He further called on other communities believed to have Ijaw origins but are currently under Itsekiri jurisdiction to follow the example of Ikantu and openly reclaim their rightful identity.
“I am using this video to call on all other communities like Obodo, where Oweizibiri was buried; like Omadinor (Amadunou) Community-meaning ‘community general fishing ground,’ that is the name-where Emiemie was buried; and Joala-meaning ‘it takes long to Canoe to it’ where Egbegha founded. They should also retrace their steps. Gbaramatu is solidly behind them, and as I speak, nobody will touch them. Let them say the truth for once. Those Itsekiri threats ‘na water, nothing go happen to una.’ And if there should be anybody that touches the hair of these communities on account of the truth that they are saying, the Gods of the land of Gbaramatu will fight for them.”
Gbenekama reaffirmed the Gbaramatu Kingdom’s unwavering support for Ikantu and other related communities, assuring them that any attempt to harm them would be resisted both physically and spiritually. He concluded by urging all communities with ancestral ties to Gbaramatu to proudly reclaim their heritage without fear.
News
GOV OBOREWORI BOOSTS TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS WITH 65 LAND CRUISERS TO STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS PEACE
By: Divine Perezide
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has handed over 65 brand new Toyota Land Cruisers to traditional rulers across the state in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, peacebuilding, and rural security coordination.
Presenting the vehicles in Asaba, the state government said the gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the strategic role traditional institutions play in maintaining social stability, mediating communal disputes, and fostering collaboration between communities and government agencies.
The governor described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in sustaining harmony in rural areas, noting that enhanced mobility would enable quicker engagement with communities, faster response to emerging tensions, and closer cooperation with security operatives.
“This intervention is part of our people-centered leadership approach. It is a deliberate effort to build lasting peace and sustain the achievements of our MORE Agenda,” Governor Oborevwori stated, emphasizing that development thrives only in an atmosphere of peace.
Government officials explained that the vehicles would improve accessibility across difficult terrains, enable traditional leaders to attend to community matters more efficiently, and reinforce the interface between grassroots institutions and the state.
Stakeholders have commended the initiative as timely, especially as many rural communities rely heavily on traditional institutions for conflict resolution, cultural administration, and early warning mechanisms in times of tension.
With the distribution of the Land Cruisers, the Oborevwori administration says it remains committed to deepening rural engagement, strengthening local leadership structures, and advancing its peace-building framework across Delta State.
IduwiniVoice
By: Derick Peretengboro
Port Harcourt, 12 January 2026 — A Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to political actors in Rivers State to end the ongoing crisis that has deeply affected governance and public confidence in the oil-rich state.
Headed by Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, the Committee was inaugurated on 12th January 2026 to “explore ways of bringing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to an end,” a crisis, the Committee noted, that “has persisted for too long.”
In a statement at the inauguration, Chief Agabi said the Committee was privileged to serve and expressed gratitude to God and PANDEF leadership, particularly Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapraye Diete Spiff, former Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass. The statement described Sir Diete Spiff as “a man whose commitment to the South-South and the nation as a whole has never been in doubt,” adding that “it is the sacrifices of men like him that bequeathed the States of the South-South to the people of that area.”
Highlighting the gravity of the state’s political stand-off, the Committee warned that continuing conflict could erode confidence in the political actors’ commitment to the “interest of the people of Rivers State and of the nation.”
Using a local proverb to caution against self-destructive disputes, the statement urged caution: “Let the parties involved not be as the Clam and the Oyster … The fisherman picked them up, took them home and made a nice fine meal of Clam and Oyster. May it not be with Rivers State as it was with the Clam and the Oyster.”
Chief Agabi expressed optimism that the crisis could be resolved without external intervention, arguing that “the parties to this dispute are one people who began as one” and urging humility: “If they have now offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologize and to forgive. It is in forgiving that true greatness can be found.”
The Committee called for goodwill and prayer, countering the often-held view that religion has no place in politics. The statement read: “The misconception that God has no place in our politics has harmed and continues to harm the nation … Whether we are governors or ministers or legislators … it is to God that we owe our appointments and promotions.”
On the key figures involved in the crisis, Chief Agabi spoke personally of both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Governor Fubara, saying: “The Minister … is my friend. He is my benefactor.… The mighty hand of God is upon him. That great Hand demands that he should lead this reconciliation … I trust [Governor Fubara] to respect that bond.”
The Committee also extended respect to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, praying for “a change of heart on their part” and urging them that “in forgiving the Governor whatever wrongs he has committed … they will demonstrate … restraint, … public spirit and … maturity.”
Concluding its charge, the Committee emphasized that it was not a judicial body, but an appeal for unity: “This Committee is not appointed to sit in judgment … Our duty is to appeal to the parties to be reconciled with one another… We appeal to the parties to embrace reconciliation… Sacrifices are called for. Make them and let there be peace.”
By: Divine Perezide
Warri, Delta State — Residents of the Warri Federal Constituency and surrounding environment are set to witness the public presentation of a new book titled “Warri Federal Constituency Delineation: Itsekiri & the Challenge of Sustaining the Burden of Lies”, authored by M. Keme.
The event, being organized by Niger Delta Scholars on behalf of stakeholders in the constituency, is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Warri, with proceedings commencing at 11:00am.
According to the organizers, the book interrogates historical and contemporary issues surrounding the delineation of Warri Federal Constituency, with particular focus on the Itsekiri ethnic group and the socio-political narratives that have shaped representation over the years.
The public presentation will be chaired by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), who is expected to lend scholarly insight into the relevance of the publication to ongoing debates in Niger Delta politics.
The book will be formally reviewed by noted academic Professor Benedict Binebai, providing an evaluative perspective on the text and its contributions to regional political discourse.
The organizers have issued an open invitation to scholars, political leaders, community stakeholders, and the general public to attend the presentation ceremony. Enquiries and confirmations can be directed to the official RSVP line: 08023865232.
The forthcoming launch is anticipated to spark renewed intellectual and civic engagement on constituency delineation, ethnic relations, and democratic representation in the Niger Delta.