Opinion
Restoration of Rightful Ownership: Unmasking the Warri Crisis
The Warri crisis is an enduring occurrence and legacy of colonial manipulation, historical obliteration, and geographical thievery. Like a festering wound, this decades-long conflict continues to suppurate, fuelled by the combustible forces of ethnic tensions, disputes over political control, and the struggle for access to oil revenue. The festering scars of this crisis run deep, with over 200,000 people displaced by the conflict between 1999 and 2006, and a staggering 700,000 displaced by violence in Delta State overall.
At its core, the Warri crisis revolves around competing claims of ownership and belonging among the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups. The Itsekiris claim Warri as their homeland, whilst the Ijaws and Urhobos assert their own historical and ancestral ties to the land. This dispute has been further complicated by colonial legacy, with the British colonial administration exacerbating existing tensions through their policy of indirect rule and manipulation of traditional institutions. The resultant power imbalance has had far-reaching consequences, shaping the trajectory of the conflict and rendering it increasingly intractable.
In a just and divine order, when a thief of any magnitude is caught, they lose their false inheritance, and the original owner reclaims their rightful possession. The Warri Ijaws and their leaders have fought a long and arduous battle to address the gross violation of their right to self-determination, bleedingly and with uncomfortable patience, enduring psychological trauma to restore their humanity, their history, their geography, their voice, and their right to political participation. Their struggle is a testament to the resilience of a people determined to reclaim their fundamental rights, which were crumbled and ethnocentrically suppressed through colonial and postcolonial agencies and governmentalities. This struggle is neither violence nor subjugation, but a courageous stand for justice, equality, and the recognition of their inherent dignity.
The Supreme Court’s fair judgment and INEC’s sincere and valid ward delineation exercise are significant milestones in this journey. It is imperative to note that these developments do not justify the vilification of Warri Ijaw leaders like Tompolo and Tantita, who are not national enemies, but rather citizens with sacred responsibilities to their nation. The notion that they are enemies of the state is a misguided narrative that should be put to rest.
The question remains: Who is more Nigerian between the Itsekiris and Ijaws? The answer is simple: both are equally Nigerian, with equal rights and responsibilities. The satanic campaign against Tompolo, Tantita, and the Warri Ijaws should cease, as it is unjust and unpatriotic. If the Ijaws were the ones caught importing arms, the story would have been different. However, the fact that an Itsekiri patriot was caught with sophisticated weapons of destruction in the midst of the trouble in Warri, sparked by the ward delineation exercise, points to the desperate and crude approaches employed to secure justice. Only desperate parties apply crude and desperate approaches to secure justice. The fact that some individuals resort to such tactics underscores the need for a more nuanced and equitable approach to resolving the Warri crisis.
The people of Warri can now begin to heal the wounds of the past and forge a more harmonious future, with the Federal Government, INEC, and the Senate President playing a proactive role in ensuring that the rights and dignity of all parties are prioritised.
Warri is a vibrant celebration of ethnic diversity, where inclusivity is valued and cherished. It is not the traditional headquarters of the Itsekiris, but rather a melting pot of cultures, where the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups converge. The notion that Warri is a homeland exclusively for one group is a narrow perspective that neglects the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that Warri embodies. In reality, the ancestral spirits of the Itsekiri people reside in Ode Itsekiri, the land they founded, not in Warri. It is there that their history, culture, and traditions are deeply rooted.
Ode-Itsekiri is the spiritual and historical heartland of the Itsekiris, it is their ancestral roots and, therefore, their homeland. Why then, is Warri given precedence over Ode Itsekiri, which is affectionately referred to as Big Warri? Is it not again divine order to make a younger brother a Senior brother? Or a stranger your biological father? Is it time to re-evaluate the significance of ancestral homelands and settlements, and to prioritise the rights and dignity of all parties involved. By acknowledging the historical and cultural contexts of each ethnic group, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable solution to the Warri crisis.
A homeland is a sacred and ancestral land, passed down through generations, its ownership woven into the very fabric of tradition and heritage. It is a land of unbroken lineage, where the roots of identity, culture, and history run deep, nourished by the stories and struggles of those who came before. It is a land that holds the memories of ancestors, the whispers of ancient traditions, and the rhythms of timeless customs. A homeland is not just a geographical location; it is a repository of collective memory, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the enduring spirit of a people.
As we reflect on the Warri crisis, it is essential to acknowledge the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the conflict. The Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups each have their own unique stories, struggles, and traditions that are deeply rooted in their ancestral lands. By recognizing and respecting these differences, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable solution that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
The journey towards peace and reconciliation begins with a single step – a step towards understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. Let us take that step today, and work towards a future where the people of Warri can live in peace, prosperity, and harmony.
Opinion
Dr. Mulade Laments Poor Developmwntal State of Delta Oil-producing Communities Despite Huge 13% Accruals
By: Divine Perezide
The living conditions and developmental stayts of Delta citizens have once again come under review in comparing dividends versus 13% derivation funds amidst other federal allocations. Observers believe that the people of Delta State have continued to suffer untold hardship despite the 13% oil derivation funds accruable to the oil-rich State, popular human and environmental rights activist.
CAddi his voice to this assertions is Comrade Chief Dr. Mulade Sheriff, a foremost environmental rights and good governance advocate.
According to Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu kingdom, an oil-prospecting Kindom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, “the funds do not translate into significant development in oil-producing communities, where residents often experience environmental degradation, poor infrastructure and neglect from goverment at all levels”.
The activist alleged that “the sufferings of Deltans are aggravated by those who manipulated the 13 percent derivation to the detriment of others, especially the host communities”.
Mulade made the assertions while speaking with journalists at the Africa for Peace Games village, Ugolo/Osubi, in Okpe Local Government Area on Sunday.
He said, “People of oil producing communities are wallowing in untold hardship as the reality affects all Deltans who should ordinarily benefit massively being part of oil producing states such as Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, Bayelsa, Abia, Ondo, Imo, Anambra, and recently, Lagos State.
“So far, nothing has been done as regards N1.3trillion Naira of the 13% Derivatives paid to the Delta State Government within the eight years tenure of the immediate past governor of the State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
“Despite the bold steps taken by stakeholders, the case has suffered some setback becuase of political interferenc. But the push is not over.
“The Niger Delta region is still suffering from massive infrastructure decay, widespread poverty and environmental degradation, among numerous others as the 13% Percent derivation funds are not used for the development of oil-producing and bearing communities.
“The funds are now budget tools being used by most of the states, instead of using the funds for the actual purpose they were meant for”.
Mulade spoke further, “Delta State is a major beneficiary of the 13% derivation fund which is a constitutional provision in Nigeria that mandates 13% of the revenue generated from natural resources be allocated to the oil-producing states.
“As one of the country’s most significant oil-producing states, Delta State consistently receives the highest share of the derivation fund among all eligible states.
“In the first five months of 2025, Delta received ₦185.16 billion, the largest allocation among the nine oil-producing states.
“Between June 2023 and May 2024, Delta State’s share amounted to ₦211.69 billion.
“The state also received a significant 29% of the total 13% oil derivation funds distributed across the country from 2015 to 2023.
“The funds do not translate into significant development in oil-producing communities, where residents often experience environmental degradation, poor infrastructure and abject poverty.
“Delta State had reportedly withheld a large portion of the derivation funds from the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the agency responsible for developing oil-producing communities”.
It will be recalled that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Stakeholders Forum recently despatched an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu raising similar allegations.
Its quiet unfortunate that DESOPADEC currently exist on newspapers, paid media houses and has become a tool for government to compensate political foot soldiers, he lamented.
By: Derick Peretengboro
Prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist Obinna Iyegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, has delivered an inspiring message to young Nigerians, urging them to channel their energy into overcoming poverty rather than engaging in unhealthy rivalries.
In his advice, Obi Cubana emphasized that true growth is not determined by how long someone has been pursuing a venture but by how effectively they execute it. He cautioned youths against unnecessary competition, stressing that in life, “overtaking happens,” and as such, everyone should be treated with respect and important.
“The race isn’t between you and anyone, but against you and poverty forever, and be a role model to the next generation,” he said.
The message was shared during his visit to Enviable Tricycles, Enviable Transport, and Enviable Logistics Ltd., where he highlighted the need for resilience, focus, and the pursuit of excellence as key tools for empowerment and nation-building.
Observation note that Obi Cubana’s call resonates at a time when young Nigerians are seeking practical ways to navigate economic challenges and build sustainable futures.
Opinion
“Dr. Otuaro’s Successful Deployment Of Over 142 Niger Deltans For Onshore And Offshore Postgraduate Studies Highly Commendable” – Ozobo
Call for support towards Otuaro
By Divine Perezide
Popular Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin, known within his close circle as the ‘king of the dragons,’ has expressed deep satisfaction with the leadership style of Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro PhD, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), especially for the timely deployment of 142 beneficiaries to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom on Offshore Scholarship.
Ozobo said Dr. Dennis Otuaro has upgraded the face to the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty programme for ex-agitators which was completely bastardized by the previous administrations, adding that Otuaro’s people-centric leadership as PAP Administrator has set the agency apart to to envy of all. He also wondered if any other agency of the Federal Government has performed well like the PAP is currently doing.
While commending him, Ozobo said Dr Otuaro is detribalised, accommodating, most friendly and performing administrator of the programme, adding that the PAP beneficiaries, critical stakeholders and all Niger Delta youths should encourage him to do more for the beneficiaries of the program.
He also appealed to people with genuine concerns and challenges to approach Otuaro through the appropriate channels, adding he has shown demonstrable will to address every genuine concerns relating to the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Ozobo, alias the ‘senior advocate of the Niger Delta oppressed people’ also urged Dr. Dennis Otuaro to continue his good works and should not listen to the campaign of calumny by sponsored voices by enemies of Niger Delta, assuring that all well-meaning Niger Deltans were behind him.
The activist further congratulated the successful delegates, urging them to use the opportunity to build their future and avoid engaging in activities that could truncate their studies abroad by the foreign authorities.
Recall, Dr. Otuaro earlier emphasised that the students were carefully placed in competitive and professional courses designed to contribute to socio-economic growth, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the initiative aimed to bridge the human capital development gap in the Niger Delta region.
However, at the flag-off event, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to PAP for the opportunity, promising to make good use of the training and serve as worthy ambassadors of their families, communities, and the Niger Delta. Some officials, including the Technical Assistant to the PAP Administrator, Edgar Daniel, and the Head of PAP’s Education Department, Dr. Charles Ariye, delivered talks on social and cultural challenges, diplomatic and security considerations, and academic demands of studying in the UK.
The programme has also distributed laptops to scholarship recipients to support their research and academic work abroad. PAP’s focus on human capital development in the Niger Delta region is expected to yield long-term benefits, contributing to the area’s socio-economic advancement.
Ozobo’s commendation speaks volumes of the positive impact of PAP’s efforts under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.