Renowned peace, justice, and environmental advocate, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has called on Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently intervene in the rising tension among the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic groups in the Warri Federal Constituency, warning that the situation could escalate into a full-blown crisis if not promptly addressed.
Mulade’s appeal follows reports of a fresh dispute between Itsekiri and Ijaw youths over the alleged removal of the 10th coronation anniversary banners of the Pere Ama-Okosuwei of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Monbene III, from strategic locations within Warri metropolis on Tuesday.
The United Nations Peace Ambassador attributed the renewed tension to unresolved issues from the recent ward delineation exercise carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He urged the Governor to initiate dialogue among stakeholders to foster peace and harmony in the Warri area.
Mulade further charged security agencies to rise to the occasion, act professionally, and resist being manipulated by individuals seeking to exploit the situation for selfish interests.
“I call on the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration to act swiftly to tackle this brewing tension before it escalates. The government is for all.
“If necessary, the Governor should personally come to Warri and hold a town hall meeting with traditional rulers and relevant stakeholders to chart a path toward peace,” Mulade stated.
He urged security operatives, particularly the Nigerian Police, to be neutral and avoid creating the impression of being used to further divisive agendas.
He also called on traditional rulers to caution their subjects and promote restraint, noting that peace remains the only viable path to development.
Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, also cautioned youths against actions capable of undermining Delta State’s growing investment climate and halting ongoing government infrastructural projects.
“There has been relative peace in recent times, which has encouraged development and attracted investors. Any outbreak of violence will not only scare away investors but also stall critical government projects. Peace is far more rewarding than conflict,” he stressed.
The activist further urged INEC to conclusively resolve the ward delineation disputes in Warri Federal Constituency, which he identified as the root cause of the recurring ethnic frictions.
“INEC and the federal government must act neutrally and comply fully with the Supreme Court judgment to close out the lingering issues. Only then can we move forward and put this phase of ethnic tension behind us,” he advised.
