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A strong appeal has been made to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently address what has been described as a longstanding political imbalance in Warri North Local Government Area, in order to forestall a potential crisis.
The call was made by Ijaw leaders from EgbemaKingdom during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Warri, Delta State. The group expressed concern over what they termed the continuous marginalization of the Ijawethnic group in the political affairs of the local government.
According to the leaders, Warri North is predominantly inhabited by two major ethnic groups—the Ijaw and the Itsekiri. However, they alleged that since the creation of the local government in 1991, the Itsekirihave consistently occupied virtually all elective and appointive positions, leaving the Ijaw people, particularly those from Egbema Kingdom, excluded from governance.
They maintained that for over three decades, Ijaws in the area have not held significant political offices, describing the situation as a negation of democratic principles and an embodiment of systemic exclusion.
In the interest of peace, equity, and fairness, the group called on Itsekiri political leaders to concede the two key legislative positions—the Delta State House of Assembly seat and the House of Representatives seat—to qualified Ijaw candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The Ijaw leaders further urged Governor Oborevworito initiate dialogue and mediate between both ethnic groups to ensure inclusivity and give Ijaw people a sense of belonging in the governance of Warri North.
While reaffirming their commitment to peace, the group noted that Ijaw communities have historically supported Itsekiri candidates through consensus voting, active campaigning, and electoral participation. They stressed that it would be equitable and just for the Itsekiri to reciprocate the gesture at this time.
They emphasized that the Ijaw political space in Warri North is not lacking in capacity, noting that several qualified sons and daughters of Egbema Kingdom have already declared interest, obtained nomination forms, and are prepared to contest for various positions.
The group cautioned against what they described as the contradiction of preaching unity while practicing political monopoly, warning that continued exclusion and political dominance by one group could trigger avoidable tensions.
Highlighting the dangers of unresolved grievances, the leaders recalled past crises in Warri North, noting that conflicts fueled by political imbalance had previously led to loss of lives, destruction, and years of developmental setbacks.
“Both Ijaw and Itsekiri have experienced the pains of conflict—we fought, we bled, and we buried our own, yet gained nothing. Warri North lost valuable years of development due to crises driven by this same imbalance. It is time to act now and prevent a recurrence,” they stated.
They concluded by urging all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and fairness, stressing that a balanced political structure remains the most sustainable path to peace, unity, and development in Warri North Local Government Area.
