Itsekiri Appeal to Tinubu,Oborevwori Over Alleged Tompolo Threats in Delta

Warri, Delta State – The Itsekiri people of Warri, Delta State, have issued an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and security agencies, alleging an “existential threat” from former MEND leader Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the Gbaramatu-Ijaw people.

Communities reportedly under threat include Ijaghala, Kantu, Obodo, Omadino, Ugborodo, and other Itsekiri towns.
Alex Oritsegbeyiwa Eyengho, speaking on behalf of the Itsekiri, stated in a “Save Our Soul” message that the threats intensified recently following videos circulated by Gbaramatu-Ijaw spokesman Godspower Gbenekama and other Ijaw youths.

Eyengho alleged that Tompolo and his “gang” are demanding that the leadership of Kantu and Ijaghala communities hold press conferences to publicly declare that the Gbaramatu-Ijaw own these communities. Failure to comply, he claims, would result in the communities being “pulverized, sacked, and the occupants killed.”

Eyengho highlighted past incidents, including the alleged complete destruction and sacking of Ijaghala community by Tompolo’s group during the Warri crisis in the late 1990s, which displaced residents for over a decade. He also cited a recent instance where Ijaws allegedly exhumed and reburied his brother’s corpse according to Ijaw burial culture, despite it being initially buried in the Itsekiri tradition.

“The Ijaws have continued to use force of arms and intimidation from time to time on Ijaghala community as if the people are conquered!” Eyengho asserted. He further claimed that Ijaghala community was pressured to declare its intention to leave Mandagho Ward in Ugborodo federated communities and join Gbaramatu Ward, allegedly under Tompolo’s direction, because government documents identify Ijaghala as an Itsekiri community.

The Itsekiri maintain that the three polling units in Ijaghala are an integral part of Mandagho Ward in Ugborodo and have no intention of joining Gbaramatu. They are instead advocating for a distinct “Ijaghala Ward.”

In response, Comrade Austin Ozobo, National President of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), warned the Itsekiri against their utterances, stating that “Tompolo does not have any gun to threaten anybody or community.” Ozobo claimed that Kantu, Ijaghala, and Omadino communities belong to the Gbaramatu-Ijaw people, asserting that Itsekiris are “customary tenants of the Ijaws” and that “Ijaws are the landlords of the Itsekiri.”

Tompolo’s Media Consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, has reportedly dismissed the allegations made by the Itsekiri people.
This developing situation underscores long-standing land and ethnic disputes in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, prompting calls for swift intervention from both federal and state authorities to prevent further escalation.

This current outcry from the Itsekiri people is rooted in a long and complex history of land ownership disputes and ethnic tensions between the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities in Warri and its environs.

1.Historical Context: The Warri crisis, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, saw significant clashes between the Itsekiri and Ijaw groups, leading to numerous casualties and displacements. These conflicts were often fueled by disagreements over land ownership, political representation, and access to oil revenues. Supreme Court rulings have generally affirmed the Itsekiri’s radical and possessory titles over much of Warri lands, recognizing the Olu of Warri or Itsekiri Communal Land Trustees as overlords, and often designating Ijaws and Urhobos as customary tenants. However, these rulings have not always led to a cessation of claims and counter-claims.

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2.Recent Developments: Recent reports indicate a resurgence of these tensions. Just days before this publication, leaders of Kantu community held a media conference, asserting their identity as an Ijaw community since the 11th century, despite “age-long misrepresentation” as Itsekiri. This aligns with Godspower Gbenekama’s reported stance that Kantu is an Ijaw community with ancestral ties to Gbaramatu Kingdom. Similarly, the Obodo community has recently rejected Gbaramatu land claims, issuing a stern warning against what they term “provocative and false claims.”

3.Ward Delineation Controversy: The issue of ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency has also been a significant source of contention. The Delta State government recently clarified that the Supreme Court’s judgment of December 2, 2022, should be respected to prevent lawlessness. However, resistance to the delineation, particularly from those who believe they may lose perceived advantages, continues to fuel the friction.

4.Tompolo’s Role: Tompolo, a prominent former militant leader, has a significant influence in the region, particularly within the Ijaw community. His involvement in the current allegations, as well as his past role in the Niger Delta agitation, adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Accusations of him using his influence and resources from government contracts to intimidate the Itsekiri are also emerging.

This ongoing dispute highlights the fragile peace in the Niger Delta and the critical need for governmental intervention and adherence to legal frameworks to prevent a full-blown crisis. The calls to President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori emphasize the urgency of the situation and the potential for widespread unrest if not addressed promptly and decisively.