The upheaval in Warri, Delta State has taken another dimension as the Itsekiri people have demanded the immediate removal of all Ogbe-Ijoh monarch banners from Warri South.
The latest escalation is part of a long-standing boundary dispute between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups as the latter accused the former of community expansion.
Speaking at a press conference at the Olu of Warri’s palace yesterday, the Itsekiri chiefs alleged that an assault on Thursday in Pessu community left vigilante leader, Dele Ogunbayo dead, with the attackers allegedly escorted by military personnel linked to a private firm owned by an ex-militant.
Chief Mene Brown, flanked by other chiefs of the kingdom, while reading the statement to reporters, alleged that the Ogbe-Ijoh monarch was attempting to assert sovereignty over Warri South by force and stealth.
They called on the Pere Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom, HRM Monbene III, to restrain his subjects and other supporters from causing more mayhem in the area.
The Itsekiri people through the Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs, described the events as an illegal attempt to extend the Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom’s territory into Warri South local government area, a move they claim has already led to bloodshed and property destruction.
They insisted that legal rulings, including a landmark 2024 decision in W/147/2020 HRM Amaokosu Mobene vs. the Governor of Delta State affirmed their rightful claim to the disputed areas.
Despite this, they accused the Ogbe-Ijoh people of continuing to lay claims to Warri South, evidenced by the erection of signposts and banners proclaiming their domain across local government boundaries.
The statement alleged that military operatives escorting the attackers of the vigilante leader wore uniforms linked to the said private security firm.
