Urhobo Leaders of Warri South LGA Recognizes Ijaws as Indigenes, Disclaim Adehor and Ikpuri’s Statements as Fabricated Lies Urge INEC to Rely on Field Data and Demography for Delineation

—By Wilson Macaulay

In a decisive and historically informed open letter, prominent Urhobo leaders of Warri South Local Government Area have firmly disassociated themselves from recent claims made by Chief Westham Adehor and Hon. Mark Ikpuri regarding the status of the Ijaw people in Warri South LGA of Delta State.The Urhobos of Warri leaders labeled the statements by the duo as false, divisive, and lacking legitimate backing from the Urhobo people.

Addressed to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the letter was signed by Olorogun Victor Okumagba, JP, Chief John Eranvor, Chief Isaac Emifoniye, and Comrade Stanley Agbosa—respected voices from the Urhobo ethnic group.

The Urhobo leaders clearly affirmed that the Ijaws are indigenous to Warri South Local Government Area, describing any attempts to question or erase their status as unjust and historically inaccurate.

“We, the undersigned respected sons of Urhobo extraction from Warri South Local Government Area, write with a deep sense of responsibility in the interest of justice, peace, and sustainable coexistence in Warri Federal Constituency to respond to the misleading and divisive claims made by Chief Westham Adehor and Hon. Mark Ikpuri regarding the status of the Ijaw people within Warri South LGA,” the letter stated.

They emphasized that the Ijaws are not only culturally and historically embedded in Warri South but have made significant contributions to its political and economic development. Citing notable Ijaw communities like Ogbe-Ijoh, they reminded stakeholders that these areas have long-standing roots that predate Nigeria’s current political boundaries.

On the ongoing issue of Ward delineation, the leaders expressed strong support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), praising the Commission’s adherence to the Supreme Court directive to initiate a new delineation exercise. They insisted that field data and real demographic patterns should guide the process—not political pressure or ethnic bias.

“Any attempt to skew the facts or deny any ethnic group their rightful recognition under any guise will amount to a grave injustice and could incite avoidable tension,” the leaders warned.

The letter strongly condemned the actions of individuals falsely speaking for the Urhobo people, cautioning against using the claim of exclusion from NSA stakeholder meetings as a tool to marginalize others.

“It is disturbing that some individuals, under the pretext of representing 'Urhobos of Warri South,' would resort to such narrow and unpatriotic narratives that seek to erase the existence of fellow Deltans,” the letter noted.

They called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to adopt an inclusive approach, expanding stakeholder engagement to include all ethnic nationalities—Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri alike.

“We urge the Office of the NSA to be wary of any divisive tendencies and to ensure that its interventions uphold the principles of justice, equity, and inclusiveness for all relevant stakeholders,” the letter added.

In their final remarks, the Urhobo leaders reaffirmed their trust in INEC and encouraged the Commission to remain steadfast in executing its duty with integrity and transparency. They cautioned against succumbing to clannish or political interests that could threaten the peace of Warri metropolis and environs.

This bold and timely position by the Urhobo leadership has resonated widely and is being hailed as a progressive step towards unity, inclusivity, and the peaceful coexistence of the Warri ethnic nationalities.