Shared Ownership Of Warri Emphasised In New Scholarly Work
Controversy Rekindled
THE debate over Warri Federal Constituency has resurfaced following the presentation of a new book by Chief Monday Keme, reopening unresolved tensions over history, identity and electoral representation in Delta State.
The book, presented at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, challenges claims made in an earlier publication that accused INEC of wrongdoing in the Warri delineation process.
Evidence-Based Rebuttal
Reviewed by Professor Benedict Binebai Ebimotimi, the book was described as an intertextual response that relies on court judgements, colonial records, gazettes and oral histories to contest previous assertions.
The reviewer said the work establishes Warri as a shared geopolitical space of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo peoples, rejecting exclusive ownership claims.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Representing the Ijaw National Congress President, Hon. Friday Dengha said the publication was necessary to counter misleading narratives that could shape public opinion if left unchallenged.
He stressed the importance of providing factual clarity, particularly for young people.
Author’s Position
Keme said the book was inspired by developments following the Supreme Court’s 2 December 2022 ruling, which mandated fresh electoral delineation in three Warri LGAs.
He noted that the delineation exercise was conducted in July 2024, with findings presented to stakeholders in April 2025.
According to him, the ruling left no room for ambiguity, but resistance emerged due to attempts to delay or reinterpret its outcome.
Call for Institutional Neutrality
Keme criticised opposition to the delineation, noting that the Warri LGAs were the first in Nigeria to undergo democratic delineation rather than military-imposed structures.
He called on authorities to remain neutral and support INEC, describing delineation as a foundational democratic process essential for fair representation and long-term peace.
