The Itsekiri people have made an urgent appeal to the Federal Government for protection, claiming their ancestral lands and waterways in Warri are under severe siege from aggressive expansionist activities by both the Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic groups.

This appeal comes amidst allegations that federal policies have inadvertently empowered some non-state actors, further exacerbating their plight.

During a Sunday press conference in Lagos, the Igba of Warri Kingdom, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, outlined a series of grievances detailing ongoing disputes over land tenancy, territorial encroachment, and perceived government inaction.

She highlighted a long-standing issue with Urhobo settlers who, she claimed, have refused to pay an agreed one-pound annual tenancy fee and have far exceeded the two plots of land originally allocated to their forefathers.

“The Urhobo have refused to pay the one-pound annual tenancy fee they were ordered to pay. They have also far exceeded the two plots originally allocated to them,” Lori-Ogbebor stated, emphasising a history of generosity now being taken for granted.

The Niger Delta activist stressed that their ancestors welcomed Urhobo families like Eyiekpimi and Olodi as court judgments have repeatedly affirmed tenants, a position they claim.

Beyond land, Lori-Ogbebor expressed grave concerns over the aggressive takeover of their waterways by the Ijaw.

She specifically accused the Federal Government of “handing over our seacoast” to individuals like Tompolo, whom she described as a “non-state actor,” allegedly empowered with wealth and gunboats in the name of fighting oil theft.

She argued that this has transformed the Ijaw into a “militarized force,” leaving the Itsekiri, who primarily fish and trade, vulnerable.

“Historically, the Itsekiri asserted their existence as a sovereign entity predating colonial rule, having signed the Treaty of Amalgamation. They maintain that at that time, neither Urhobo nor Ijaw had recognised political entities within Warri. The community drew parallels to the colonial-era Willink Commission, which foresaw the dangers of majority domination and recommended protective measures for ethnic minorities like the Itsekiri—fears they say are now being realised.

“Despite these grave challenges, the Itsekiri reiterated their confidence in the Nigerian judicial system. Their lawyers are reportedly working on existing court judgments to guide their next line of action, particularly in challenging the Ijaw’s acquisition of their seacoast.

“It is unacceptable that a government would hand over our coastline to an individual. We cannot allow ourselves to be governed or secured by someone outside the structure of lawful authority,” Lori-Ogbebor asserted.

Concluding her address, the Itsekiri chief firmly rejected any calls for violence, emphasizing her pursuit of justice and fairness.

“We are not calling for war. We are calling for justice. We are not demanding violence. We are demanding protection. We are not inciting tension. We are appealing for fairness”, Lori-Ogbebor said.

The Itsekiri people underscored their desire for peace, respect, and the preservation of their territorial integrity, urging the FG and the international community to intervene and ensure their rights are upheld. (The Nation)