Diaspora Itsekiri Group Seeks Peaceful Resolution Over Olu of Warri’s Planned Community Visit

Diaspora Association Warns of Rising Tension Over Royal Visit

THE Itsekiri National Association in Canada (INAC) has raised concerns over an alleged plot to disrupt the planned visit of the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, to Itsekiri communities in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, warning that attempts to prevent the monarch from meeting his subjects could heighten tensions in the region.

The association alleged that certain individuals in Effurun were mobilising opposition to the traditional ruler’s visit, describing the reported actions as provocative and capable of undermining long-standing peaceful relations between neighbouring ethnic communities.

The royal visit is expected to include Ugbolokposo, an Itsekiri community located within Uvwie Local Government Area, where the monarch is scheduled to perform customary engagements with his subjects.

Group Defends Monarch’s Traditional Responsibilities

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Fiogho Tonwe, Secretary Owen Fregene, Tosan Eyide and Oritseweyinmi Adodo-Obadoni, INAC maintained that the Olu of Warri has both a historic and cultural obligation to visit Itsekiri communities irrespective of their geographical location.

The organisation argued that the planned visit should not be interpreted as an attempt to alter territorial boundaries or challenge the rights of neighbouring communities.

According to the group, Itsekiri settlements in Uvwie have coexisted peacefully alongside Urhobo communities for generations, making the monarch’s visit a legitimate exercise of his traditional responsibilities rather than an act capable of provoking conflict.

INAC further cautioned against what it described as efforts by some individuals to exploit communal sensitivities for political relevance.

Appeal for Political and Traditional Leadership

The association expressed concern over what it described as the absence of strong public interventions from the Delta State Government and sections of the Urhobo leadership following reports of planned protests against the royal visit.

According to INAC, moments of heightened communal tension require prompt leadership capable of reassuring affected communities and reaffirming constitutional rights, including the freedom to practise cultural traditions peacefully.

The group warned that silence from political and traditional authorities could unintentionally embolden individuals seeking to inflame ethnic divisions.

Consequently, INAC called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to publicly reaffirm his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and the protection of every community’s legitimate cultural rights.

It also appealed to the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and other Urhobo socio-cultural organisations to distance themselves from any activities capable of promoting division and instead reinforce the history of cooperation between Urhobo and Itsekiri communities.

Historical Context Underscores Sensitivity

The development comes against the backdrop of a long history of disputes involving land ownership, traditional authority, political representation and resource control in parts of Delta State, particularly between Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw communities.

Although many of these disagreements have been managed through dialogue and judicial processes over the years, analysts note that issues involving traditional institutions often evoke deep historical and cultural sentiments.

Observers say proactive engagement by government, traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies remains essential to preventing misunderstandings from escalating into broader communal conflicts.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Delta State Government nor the Urhobo Progress Union had publicly responded to the concerns raised by the diaspora organisation.