JUST IN: Advocacy Group Writes Open Letter To Delta State House Of Assembly, Demands For Amendment Of Traditional Rulers And Chiefs Law -

•••••••As They Call For Correction Of Title Of Olu Of Warri To Olu Of Itsekiri

‎By Uche Alvin
‎
‎OPEN LETTER TO THE DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
‎

Urgent Legislative Action Needed to Amend the Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law
‎Correct the Misleading Title “Olu of Warri” to the Accurate “Olu of Itsekiri”
‎To:
‎Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor
‎Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly
‎Asaba, Delta State
‎Sir,
‎
‎We write as concerned indigenous citizens and stakeholders of the Warri Federal Constituency, comprising the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities to bring to your urgent attention a long-standing issue of historical misrepresentation, legal irregularity and ethnic sensitivity that continues to undermine peaceful coexistence in our State.
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‎THE ISSUE: A HISTORICALLY AND LEGALLY INCORRECT TITLE

‎It is a well-established historical fact that the traditional ruler of the Itsekiri people was originally and correctly known as the “Olu of Itsekiri.” This title reflected his cultural jurisdiction over the Itsekiri people and their settlements, primarily in Ode-Itsekiri (Iwerre).
‎However, in 1952, under the regional government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, this title was unilaterally changed to “Olu of Warri” without the consent or consultation of the Ijaw and Urhobo communities, who are co-indigenous to Warri and have never been under the authority of the Olu.
‎This politically motivated change was not only undemocratic but has had enduring consequences on inter ethnic relations in Warri.
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‎DAMAGING IMPACTS ON PEACE AND SOCIAL HARMONY

‎Since this change, the title “Olu of Warri” has been used in ways that:
‎1.Falsely suggest the Olu is sovereign over all Warri peoples, including Ijaws and Urhobos;
‎2.Promote divisive narratives; notably the unfounded claim that Ijaws and Urhobos are “tenants” or “strangers” in their ancestral homelands;
‎3.Confuse the public and external stakeholders, who now wrongly assume the Olu is the paramount ruler of all of Warri, a claim that has no legal or cultural legitimacy.
‎These outcomes have fueled tension, distorted historical realities and compromised the dignity of other indigenous groups in the constituency.
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‎LEGAL VIOLATIONS AND THE NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

‎The continued use of the title “Olu of Warri” contravenes provisions of the Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, which stipulates that:
‎•Traditional titles must reflect the ethnic identity and territorial jurisdiction of the titleholder;
‎•No traditional ruler shall be recognized as sovereign over multiple distinct ethnic groups;
‎•The Traditional Rulers Council must promote equity, respect for ethnic diversity and peaceful coexistence across the state.
‎
‎Additionally, the law recognizes seven (7) distinct and independent kingdoms within the Warri Federal Constituency:
‎1.Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom
‎2.Gbaramatu Kingdom
‎3.Egbema Kingdom
‎4.Isaba Kingdom
‎5.Itsekiri Kingdom
‎6.Okere-Urhobo Kingdom
‎7.Agbarha Kingdom
‎This legal framework confirms that the Olu’s jurisdiction is confined to the Itsekiri Kingdom and does not extend to Ijaw or Urhobo territories. Therefore, the continuous bearing of the title Olu of Warri is in clear violation.
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‎OUR DEMANDS: RESTORING HISTORICAL TRUTH AND LEGAL ORDER

‎In the interest of truth, justice and peaceful coexistence, we respectfully call on Mr. Speaker and the Honourable Members of the House to:
‎1.Amend the Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law of Delta State to correct the politically manipulated title from “Olu of Warri” to “Olu of Itsekiri,” “Olu of Iwerre,” or “Olu of Ode-Itsekiri,” in accordance with historical and cultural accuracy;
‎2.Ensure consistent use of the corrected title in all official documents, communications and traditional council records;
‎3.Advise traditional institutions and media outlets to cease usage of the misleading title in ways that undermine the dignity and autonomy of other ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency.
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‎A CALL FOR UNITY AND PEACE THROUGH JUSTICE

‎This appeal is not an attempt to inflame ethnic tensions or incite division. Rather, it is a constructive effort to correct a historical error that has fueled misunderstanding and discontent for over seven decades. If left unaddressed, this matter may continue to destabilize relations among our ethnic groups and weaken the spirit of inclusive governance in Delta State.
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‎CONCLUSION

‎Warri is the homeland of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo. No single ethnic group holds exclusive sovereign claim over the others. We urge this Honourable Assembly to uphold the principles of equity, truth and justice by taking legislative action to resolve this lingering distortion.
‎We trust in your leadership and commitment to fairness and we await your prompt and positive response.
‎
‎Respectfully,
‎
‎Ebiowei Kuro
‎President
‎
‎Ovo Rukevwe
‎Secretary
‎
‎Concerned Citizens of Warri Federal Constituency.
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‎Cc:
‎Honourable Members, Delta State House of Assembly.