Tension flared in Warri on Tuesday as angry Ijaw youths and women staged a protest over the removal of posters and billboards announcing the coronation anniversary of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Mobene III.
The protesters accused operatives of the Nigeria Police Force of pulling down the banners along the Miller Waterside and Warri South Secretariat axis of Warri-Sapele Road, allegedly acting in connivance with some Itsekiri youths.
Viral videos circulating on social media showed some of the displaced banners inside a Sienna vehicle marked with police insignia. In one of the clips, an unidentified man alleged that the Ogbe-Ijoh people were being oppressed in their land, calling for urgent intervention by the Delta State Government.
The controversy reportedly stems from inscriptions on the posters, which described Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom as being located in both Warri South-West and Warri South LGAs — a claim the Itsekiris strongly reject. In reaction, Itsekiri youths described the banners as provocative, insisting that the Ijaws have no land in Warri South. They also urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to call the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh to order, warning that the celebrations should be restricted to Ogbe-Ijoh territory in Warri South-West.
When contacted, Delta State Police spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the protest but downplayed the claims about banners.
“I can confirm that there was a protest. I can also confirm that the two factions are with the Area Commander for a peace meeting. I think the reason for the protest has nothing to do with banners; it’s just between themselves. After the meeting, we will get the full details of what transpired,” he said.
As at press time, the Warri South Council Chairman, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, was yet to comment on the matter.
