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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.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice