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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.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.