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OPEN LETTER TO THE DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT RE: FALSEHOOD ABOUT WARRI NORTH AND THE HISTORICAL TRUTH OF EGBEMA IJAW MAJORITY
OPEN LETTER TO THE DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT
RE: FALSEHOOD ABOUT WARRI NORTH AND THE HISTORICAL TRUTH OF EGBEMA IJAW MAJORITY
From: Ijaw Stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency
Date: [16/8/2025]
Dear Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State,
We read with outrage the recent misrepresentation by your administration claiming that Warri North Local Government Area is “predominantly inhabited by the Itsekiri.” This is false, misleading, and a reckless distortion of history.
The 1999 Constitution binds every arm of government to truth and equity:
S.14(2)(b): “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
S.42(1): forbids ethnic discrimination in state action.
S.17(2)(a),(d): demands equality and forbids exploitation of human and natural resources against communities.
Your government’s post violates these provisions by attempting to erase the majority status of the Ijaw people of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North.
2. Historical Truth: Warri North is Dual, Not Exclusive
Warri North is made up of two traditional kingdoms:
1. Egbema Kingdom (Ijaw)
2. Itsekiri Kingdom
It is therefore a constitutional and historical fraud to present the LGA as if it belongs exclusively to the Itsekiri.
British Intelligence Reports (1936, 1951) confirm that Egbema Ijaws constitute the majority population in Warri North.
Early European accounts such as Pacheco Pereira (1505) describe Egbema and other Ijaw groups as dominant along the Benin and Escravos Rivers.
Even colonial census records (1921, 1931, 1952, 1963) confirm Ijaw numerical dominance across Warri territories.
3. Geography and Settlement Facts
The physical landmass of Warri North betrays this false narrative:
Egbema Ijaw communities (e.g., Opuama, Polobubo, Tsekelewu and others) occupy vast swamp and riverine territories of the LGA.
The Itsekiri communities, though significant, do not outnumber the Egbema Ijaws.
Court records and colonial leases show Ijaw communities consistently recognized as landowners, while others were settlers or tenants.
4. The Fraud of Manufactured Itsekiri Majority
For decades, colonial distortions and post-independence manipulation inflated Itsekiri status. The fraudulent “6–4” ward allocation (six wards to Itsekiri, four to Ijaw) exemplifies this injustice.
The Supreme Court in Timinimi v. INEC (SC/CV/1033/2023) has already pronounced this structure unconstitutional, unjust, and illegal. INEC has verified through fieldwork in the creeks and communities. The only step left is publication.
5. Our Warning to the State Government
Governor Oborevwori, government cannot function on falsehood. To continue to project Itsekiri exclusivity in Warri North is to deliberately incite tension between communities and to disregard constitutional order.
As Justice Nnamani once ruled: “Equity will not allow the law to be used as an instrument of fraud.” By pushing a false narrative, your administration risks being complicit in the very fraud equity forbids.
6. Our Demand: Tell the Truth and Obey the Law
1. Delta State Government: Retract and correct your false claim. Acknowledge the dual reality of Warri North, Egbema Ijaw and Itsekiri.
2. Federal Government: Direct INEC to publish the Supreme Court–ordered delineation result without further delay.
3. Public and International Community: Reject state-sponsored propaganda that erases the Ijaw majority and sustains political fraud.
7. Conclusion: Truth vs Falsehood
Ijaw (Egbema): Majority, ancestral landowners of Warri North.
Itsekiri: Minority, co-inhabitants but not exclusive claimants.
The Supreme Court has spoken. INEC has verified. Only publication remains.
As Thomas Paine warned: “A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” INEC’s silence and your government’s propaganda will not bury the truth.
Signed
Chief Tiemopere Joshua
(President)
Chief Ebikeke T. Goodstime
(Secretary)
Ijaw Stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency
CC:
The Presidency
The National Assembly
The National Security Adviser
United Nations, AU, EU
By Divine Perezide
WARRI — IduwiniVoice, a prominent Niger Delta media organisation, has congratulated Chief Ambassador Sheriff Mulade (PhD) on his emergence as the National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), following the congress’ national elections held on April 13, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the media outfit, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the organisation described Mulade’s victory as a deserving outcome, reflecting years of dedication to peacebuilding, unity, and development within the Ijaw nation.
Mulade, who also serves as the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), secured the treasurer position in a closely contested election that attracted wide interest across the Niger Delta.
The statement highlighted his reputation as a respected leader and advocate for peace, noting that his emergence comes at a crucial period when the INC requires experienced and forward-thinking leadership to navigate evolving challenges.
IduwiniVoice expressed confidence in Mulade’s ability to manage the financial affairs of the congress effectively, citing his longstanding commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible resource management as key strengths.
According to the organisation, his election represents not just personal success, but a broader endorsement of credible leadership and sustainable development ideals within Ijawland.
The media house further urged the newly elected treasurer to remain committed to service and to leverage his position in advancing the collective interests and welfare of Ijaw communities.
It also called on stakeholders across the region to rally support for the new leadership of the INC, stressing the importance of unity in strengthening the congress and enhancing its role in championing the socio-cultural and political aspirations of the Ijaw people.
Observers have described Mulade’s emergence as a significant development in the affairs of the INC, expressing optimism that the new leadership will steer the organisation towards greater impact and relevance.
IduwiniVoice concluded by extending its best wishes to the new treasurer, expressing hope for a successful and impactful tenure.
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Amatu-1 Community Declares Total Support, Appeals to Tantita for Increased Employment Opportunities
By Favour Bibaikefie
Amatu 1 Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has formally appealed to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to increase employment opportunities for its youths, women, and elders, citing its strategic role as a major host community to critical oil and gas infrastructure.
In a letter dated February 14, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman/CEO of Tantita, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, the community expressed appreciation for the company’s efforts in safeguarding oil facilities and curbing illegal activities in the Niger Delta and declared that nobody else could have done the job better.
The letter, signed by community leaders including Chairman Independence Neyin and Secretary Christopher Tuerede, acknowledged that Tantita’s operations have contributed significantly to the protection of the environment and preservation of livelihoods in the region.
However, the community raised concerns over what it described as marginalisation in the allocation of employment slots, despite hosting key oil assets such as the EA/EJA Oil Field and the Dodo River (OML 86 and 88), located within close proximity to the community.
According to the community, a major gas pipeline linking the Tunu Node Flow Station to the EA/EJA Oil Field passes through Amatu 1 territory, a factor they said should ordinarily qualify them as a priority for local employment in pipeline surveillance operations.
The community further noted that at least five newly discovered oil wells exist within its territory, alongside several pipelines, some of which are currently subjects of dispute.
Amatu-1 conmunity, the ancestral headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom and the throne residence of the Grand Pere, HRM Ambassador Dr. Joel Ibane (J), Ogiobo IX, said they feel bad that neighbouring communities had benefitted more from Tantita job allocations.
“It is deeply unfair that while neighbouring communities have received a significant number of job slots, including positions for Generals and Coordinators, Amatu 1 was allocated only 10 slots out of hundreds of capable youths,” the letter stated.
The letter further revealed that youths of the community currently shoulder the responsibility of providing security for the royal palace without remuneration, even as those of other kingdoms nearby enjoy paid positions under the surveillance contract.
While reiterating its peaceful disposition, the community stressed that its appeal was not borne out of agitation but a call for Tompolo’s kind consideration.
“We are not condemning Tantita or anyone. We only seek for a better treatment,” the letter noted, adding that the people of Amatu-1 remain law-abiding and committed to the the President Tinubu and Tantita’s drive for peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.
The community appealed for the employment of at least 400 qualified indigenes—both male and female—into Tantita Security Services, in recognition of its status as a primary host community and royal headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom.
They also called on notable leaders like the Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom and the Amananawei of Amatu 1 Community to support and facilitate the request.
The appeal, observers say, underscores ongoing concerns among host communities in the Niger Delta over favourable distribution of opportunities in oil-related security engagements, even as stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for Tantita’s contract to not only be renewed, but expanded.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The family of the late Mama Ayenuwa Onitsha Iyalagha has extended heartfelt appreciation to individuals and groups who showed support during the burial ceremony of their beloved matriarch.
In a statement signed by Elder Simeon T. O. Iyalagha on behalf of the children and family, the family expressed deep gratitude to their extended families, relatives, community members, quarters, compounds, in-laws, friends, colleagues, well-wishers, and the general public for their overwhelming love, solidarity, and participation throughout the period of mourning.
The statement noted that the outpouring of support received before, during, and after the burial ceremony was both comforting and encouraging to the family in their time of grief.
The family also specially acknowledged the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, for his support and presence accompanied by a large number of family and friends, describing his gesture as deeply appreciated.
They prayed that God would richly bless and reward all those who stood by them, adding that their kindness would not be forgotten.
“We are truly grateful for the show of love and support,” the statement concluded.