Lord of Warri’ a social media handle on X (former twitter) known for projecting Itsekiri course, has disagreed with Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s claim that, “Delta State has always been known for its peaceful nature”, saying, the governor’s statement, “is not entirely accurate.”
In a statement dropped this morning, Wednesday March 20, on X, the ‘Lord of Warri’, noted: “I recently had the opportunity to watch the speech delivered by our state governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori @RtHonSheriff.
“While the speech was undoubtedly eloquent and captivating, I must respectfully disagree with one particular statement made by His Excellency.
“He mentioned that Delta State has always been known for its peaceful nature. However, based on the historical facts, this claim is not entirely accurate. Allow me to shed some light on the historical events that have unfolded in Delta State over the years:
“1. A History of Conflict: Since the creation of Delta State in 1991, there has not been a single year without some form of conflict. Let’s delve into some specific instances:
“1a. In 1992 and 1993, there was a clash between the Urhobo and Itsekiri communities in Warri. The Itsekiri retaliated against the Urhobo, escalating tensions between the two groups.
“1b. From 1997 to 1999, the Ijaws committed acts of genocide against the Itsekiri people. In response, the Itsekiri retaliated, leading to the end of the war in 2003.
“1c. In 2003, the Urhobo village of Okwagbe and the Ijaw village of Ayakoromo clashed, resulting in further violence.
“1d. In 2004, the Urhobo in Warri attacked the Itsekiri community, prompting retaliation and causing the Urhobo to flee Warri.
“1e. From 2016 to 2023, the Urhobo of Aladja and the Ogbe Ijaws engaged in intermittent clashes and attacks.
“1f. In another instance, the Ijaws of Warri North attacked the Itsekiri, resulting in the deaths of 13 Itsekiri women, children, and unarmed men. Despite the Delta State government’s promise to bring the attackers to justice, no arrests have been made in the past 11 years.
1g. Okuama urhobo’s and ijaw Okoloba have been fighting since 2018 till 2024
“2. Government’s Role in Conflict: It is important to note that the Delta State government has played a significant role in contributing to these conflicts. The failure to punish those responsible for unrest has created an environment where certain groups believe they can act without consequences.
“3. Lack of Enforcement and Resolution: Furthermore, the Delta State government has consistently failed to enforce court judgments. For instance, the Ijaws of Isaba won a judgment against the Urhobos of Aladja over a land dispute. Despite fighting for over a decade, the state government has not enforced these court judgments or implemented laws to penalize those who violate them.
“4. The Need for Conflict Resolution: One crucial step in addressing the ongoing conflicts in Delta State is the establishment of a dedicated conflict resolution committee. This committee’s primary focus should be to proactively resolve disputes before they escalate beyond control.
“5. Selective Oppression: Another concerning issue is the perception that Delta State is oppressive towards certain tribes while being selective in its actions. This biased treatment exacerbates the already volatile situation in the state.
“In conclusion, Your Excellency, it is evident that Delta State has experienced a continuous cycle of conflict since its inception in 1991. Mere words and promises will not bring about lasting peace. To address these deep-rooted issues, it is essential to prioritize the rule of law and order.
“One potential solution is for the state government to intervene in land disputes by determining which parties have court judgments in their favor. In cases where no judgment exists, the state government should urge the parties to seek legal resolution while temporarily seizing the disputed land.
“Once a court judgment is reached, the victorious party should be given rightful authority over the land. Additionally, rules should be established to ensure that tenants on disputed lands respect the court’s decision or face eviction. It is only through decisive action and a commitment to justice that Delta State can hope to defuse the ticking time bomb of conflict.”
