Group Calls For Correction Of Itsekiri Monarch’s Title From ‘Olu Of Warri’ To Olu Of Itsekiri -

By Uche Alvin

OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR BOLA AHMED TINUBU,
GCFR,
PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

A Call for Legislative Motion on the Title of Olu of Warri

In the interest of peace, unity, and justice in Delta State, I call on our elected representatives to urgently move a motion in the Delta State House of Assembly to address the controversy surrounding the title of “Olu of Warri.”

At present, the title is held by the traditional ruler of the Itsekiri people. However, its designation has been widely misconstrued and exploited to suggest that the Itsekiri monarch is the paramount ruler of all peoples in Warri. Strangers, visitors, and even government functionaries are often misled into this belief.

This is misleading because Warri is multi-ethnic. The three Local Government Areas bearing the Warri name — Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North — are home to distinct kingdoms and communities of the Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri, including:

Agbarha Warri Kingdom (Urhobo)

Okere Urhobo Kingdom (Urhobo)

Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom (Ijaw)

Itsekiri Kingdom (Warri)

Gbaramatu kingdom (Ijaw)

Egbema Kingdom (Ijaw)

Isaba Kingdom(Ijaw)

Diebiri Clan (Ijaw)

Several legal instruments confirm this autonomy:

Warri Divisional Council (1955): Recognised warri Ijaw and other local councils as distinct entities.

Chiefs Law (1958, Cap 19): Excluded warri Ijaw from the authority of the Olu of Itsekiri.

Bendel State Edict (1979): Recognised the Ama-Okosu of warri Ijaw as prescribed authority.

Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law (2006): Recognised four kingdoms in Warri metropolis — Itsekiri, Okere-Urhobo, Agbarha, and warri Ijaw — each with its own prescribed authority.

History also affirms that the Ijaw and Urhobo inhabited Warri long before the arrival of Prince Ginuwa from Benin, who founded the Itsekiri monarchy. Even colonial records and Itsekiri historians acknowledge this fact.

It is therefore deceptive and potentially dangerous for one ethnic nationality to continue presenting its monarch as “Olu of Warri,” implying authority over peoples and lands outside its jurisdiction.

To preserve peace and foster inter-ethnic respect, I urge that the title be formally revised to “Olu of Itsekiri” or “Olu of Iwere.” This adjustment will not diminish the dignity of the Itsekiri throne but will ensure clarity, fairness, and harmony among all peoples of Warri.

The Delta State House of Assembly must rise to this responsibility. Correcting this anomaly will strengthen unity, prevent manipulation, and lay the foundation for lasting peace among the Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri peoples.

Signed

Comr, Angala Ebikobowei

Hon: British oweilakefa

Warri justice front.

Cc,

Federal Ministry of Justice HQ Plot 71B Shehu Shagari Way Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria

Delta State government
His Excellency, Hon. sheriff Oborevwori. Government House, Asaba, Delta State.

Delta state house of Assembly, Legislative Complex, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

National security Adviser (NSA)