{"id":4786,"date":"2025-09-06T13:30:06","date_gmt":"2025-09-06T13:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/06\/group-calls-for-correction-of-itsekiri-monarchs-title-from-olu-of-warri-to-olu-of-itsekiri\/"},"modified":"2025-09-06T13:30:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T13:30:06","slug":"group-calls-for-correction-of-itsekiri-monarchs-title-from-olu-of-warri-to-olu-of-itsekiri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/06\/group-calls-for-correction-of-itsekiri-monarchs-title-from-olu-of-warri-to-olu-of-itsekiri\/","title":{"rendered":"Group Calls For Correction Of Itsekiri Monarch\u2019s Title From \u2018Olu Of Warri\u2019 To Olu Of Itsekiri"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Uche Alvin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR BOLA AHMED TINUBU,
GCFR,
PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Call for Legislative Motion on the Title of Olu of Warri<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cOlu of Warri.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is misleading because Warri is multi-ethnic. The three Local Government Areas bearing the Warri name \u2014 Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North \u2014 are home to distinct kingdoms and communities of the Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agbarha Warri Kingdom (Urhobo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okere Urhobo Kingdom (Urhobo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom (Ijaw)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Itsekiri Kingdom (Warri)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gbaramatu kingdom (Ijaw)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Egbema Kingdom (Ijaw)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaba Kingdom(Ijaw)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diebiri Clan (Ijaw)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several legal instruments confirm this autonomy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warri Divisional Council (1955): Recognised warri Ijaw and other local councils as distinct entities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chiefs Law (1958, Cap 19): Excluded warri Ijaw from the authority of the Olu of Itsekiri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bendel State Edict (1979): Recognised the Ama-Okosu of warri Ijaw as prescribed authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law (2006): Recognised four kingdoms in Warri metropolis \u2014 Itsekiri, Okere-Urhobo, Agbarha, and warri Ijaw \u2014 each with its own prescribed authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is therefore deceptive and potentially dangerous for one ethnic nationality to continue presenting its monarch as \u201cOlu of Warri,\u201d implying authority over peoples and lands outside its jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To preserve peace and foster inter-ethnic respect, I urge that the title be formally revised to \u201cOlu of Itsekiri\u201d or \u201cOlu of Iwere.\u201d This adjustment will not diminish the dignity of the Itsekiri throne but will ensure clarity, fairness, and harmony among all peoples of Warri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comr, Angala Ebikobowei<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hon: British oweilakefa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warri justice front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cc,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Federal Ministry of Justice HQ Plot 71B Shehu Shagari Way Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta State government
His Excellency, Hon. sheriff Oborevwori. Government House, Asaba, Delta State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta state house of Assembly, Legislative Complex, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National security Adviser (NSA)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Uche Alvin OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR BOLA AHMED TINUBU,GCFR,PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[14],"tags":[1429],"class_list":["post-4786","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opinion","tag-group-calls-for-correction-of-itsekiri-monarchs-title-from-olu-of-warri-to-olu-of-itsekiri"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_1212-1.jpg?fit=402%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3609,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/06\/26\/ownership-of-warri-group-sends-open-letter-to-governor-oborevwori-calls-for-correction-of-title-of-itsekiri-monarch-from-olu-of-warri-to-olu-of-itsekiri\/","url_meta":{"origin":4786,"position":0},"title":"OWNERSHIP OF WARRI: Group Sends Open Letter To Governor Oborevwori, Calls For Correction Of Title Of Itsekiri Monarch From \u201cOlu Of Warri To Olu Of Itsekiri\u201c","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"June 26, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\u200e By Uche Alvin OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE\u200eRE: The Urgent Need to Correct the Misleading Title \u201cOlu of Warri\u201d to \u201cOlu of Itsekiri\u201d or \u201cOlu of Iwerre\u201d or \u201cOlu of Ode-Itsekiri\u201d\u200e\u200eYour Excellency,\u200eRt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori\u200eExecutive Governor of Delta State\u200eGovernment House, Asaba\u200eDelta State\u200eSir,\u200e\u200eWe write\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0271-5-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0271-5-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0271-5-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0271-5-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0271-5-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4375,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/11\/just-in-advocacy-group-writes-open-letter-to-delta-state-house-of-assembly-demands-for-amendment-of-traditional-rulers-and-chiefs-law\/","url_meta":{"origin":4786,"position":1},"title":"JUST IN: Advocacy Group Writes Open Letter To Delta State House Of Assembly, Demands For Amendment Of Traditional Rulers And Chiefs Law","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022As They Call For Correction Of Title Of Olu Of Warri To Olu Of Itsekiri \u200eBy Uche Alvin\u200e\u200eOPEN LETTER TO THE DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY\u200e Urgent Legislative Action Needed to Amend the Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law\u200eCorrect the Misleading Title \u201cOlu of Warri\u201d to the Accurate \u201cOlu of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In 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IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA, THE ILLEGAL AND MISLEADING TITLE \u201cOLU OF WARRI\u201d MUST BE REVERTED TO ITS TRUE\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Community"","block_context":{"text":"Community","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/community\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4246,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/03\/olu-of-warri-title-indigenous-ijaws-and-urhobos-writes-open-letter-to-tinubu-inec-international-communities-demands-for-correction-of-title-of-olu-of-warri-to-olu-of-itsekiri\/","url_meta":{"origin":4786,"position":3},"title":"OLU OF WARRI TITLE: Indigenous Ijaws And Urhobos Writes Open Letter To Tinubu, INEC, International Communities, Demands For Correction Of Title Of Olu Of Warri To Olu Of Itsekiri","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 3, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, INEC, AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY RE: THE URGENT NEED TO CORRECT THE HISTORICAL MISNOMER CALLED \u201cOLU OF WARRI\u201d AND RESTORE DIGNITY TO THE INDIGENOUS IJAW AND URHOBO PEOPLES OF WARRI Your Excellency,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,Members\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Community"","block_context":{"text":"Community","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/community\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4986,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/11\/06\/group-writes-open-letter-to-fg-nsa-calls-for-reversion-of-olu-of-warri-title-to-olu-of-itsekiri\/","url_meta":{"origin":4786,"position":4},"title":"Group Writes Open Letter To FG, NSA\ufffc\ufffc, Calls For Reversion Of Olu Of Warri Title To Olu Of Itsekiri","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"November 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David \u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022The Group Charges President Tinubu To Compel INEC To Implement The Supreme Court Ordered Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation Report OPEN LETTER FROM THE CONCERNED ELDERS OF WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER (NSA), THE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE Subject: On the urgent\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Opinion"","block_context":{"text":"Opinion","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/opinion\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0568-1.jpg?fit=790%2C488&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0568-1.jpg?fit=790%2C488&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0568-1.jpg?fit=790%2C488&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0568-1.jpg?fit=790%2C488&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4263,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/05\/re-a-blunt-response-to-the-itsekiri-historical-fronts-deceitful-open-letter-on-the-olu-of-warri\/","url_meta":{"origin":4786,"position":5},"title":"Re: A Blunt Response To The Itsekiri Historical Front\u2019s Deceitful Open Letter On The Olu Of Warri","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\u200eBy Uche Alvin RE: A Blunt Response to the Itsekiri Historical Front\u2019s Deceitful Open Letter on the Olu of Warri\u200e\u200eAn Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the National Security Adviser, INEC, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the International Community\u200e\u200eBy the Undisguised, Unshaken and Unapologetic Indigenous\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0336-1.jpg?fit=554%2C554&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0336-1.jpg?fit=554%2C554&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0336-1.jpg?fit=554%2C554&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfDfBE-1fc","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4786","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4786"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4786\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4786"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4786"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4786"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}