By Didimoko A. Didimoko, Warri
The traditional ruler of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State HRM Monbene III, has stoked the debate over the ownership of Warri metropolis, stating that the clan’s stake is incontrovertible.
The Amakosuwe, who spoke on the occasion of his 10th coronation anniversary in Ogbe-Ijoh town, on Friday, said his people’s ownership of Warri metropolis is “incontestable and indisputable.”
He, however, made a passionate appeal for peace and collective progress in the area.
The monarch stressed that banners and publicity do not equate to land claims, urging ethnic groups and traditional rulers in Warri to embrace dialogue. The statement was a veiled reference to the violent clashes that broke out a week earlier between the Ijaw and Itsekiri in Warri metropolis.
The clash followed attempts by Ijaws to mount banners and billboards in the city, a move decoded as an attempt to stake the Ijaw ownership of the area, which the Itsekiri also claims through their monarch, the Olu of Warri.
“Continuous violence demeans Warri, erodes its reputation, and stifles its developmental potential. Once the economic hub of the Niger Delta, Warri must not be reduced to a theatre of endless conflict,” he declared in reaction to that violence.
Chief Favour Izuokumor, Executive Director of Socials at DESOPADEC, who holds the title of Fieyeowei (Scribe) of the kingdom, supported the monarch’s stance, praising the peace initiatives of Monbene III’s monarchy.
He urged young people in Warri to resolve differences through dialogue, saying, “We are one, even if differences arise, let us talk them through and reassure investors, government, and ourselves that Warri is ready for development”.
The ceremony, rich in Ijaw cultural displays, brought together traditional rulers including the Pere of Gbaramatu, Oboro Gbaraun II; the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha; the Ovie of Idjerhe, Udurhie I; and the Ovie of Uvwie, Abe I. Industry figures such as Chief Keston Pondi of Tantita Security Services, top government officials, and community leaders also added colour to the event.
The monarch later conferred a chieftaincy title on Julius Berger’s General Manager, Rainer Jensch, underscoring the kingdom’s recognition of contributions to development.
