The Agbarha Warri League (AWL), a socio-cultural group representing the Agbarha Urhobo people of Warri, has condemned a recent procession by members of the Itsekiri ethnic group held in the Igbudu area of Warri South Local Government Area. The procession, which was part of the celebrations marking the 4th coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has stirred concerns of a possible rekindling of ethnic tensions in the area.
In a statement released by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Augustine Efeisi, the AWL described the procession as “provocative and unnecessary,” noting that it included songs perceived as targeting the Warri Urhobo people. The group claimed the event, which was widely circulated on social media, violated previous peace efforts aimed at preventing ethnic conflict in the multi-ethnic oil city.
“The Agbarha Warri League finds the recent procession by some Itsekiris in Igbudu, within Warri South LGA, to be provocative,” the statement read. “The songs and chants, some of which were aimed at the Urhobo people, are capable of undermining peace and stability in the area.”
AWL reminded the public that judicial panels of inquiry had, in the past, linked similar events to the outbreak of the infamous Warri ethnic crisis, which saw deadly clashes between the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic groups in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These conflicts, mostly rooted in disputes over land ownership, chieftaincy titles, and political representation, led to loss of lives and large-scale displacement.
The group stressed that the peace currently being enjoyed in Warri should not be taken for granted.
“We have come a long way from the dark days of violent conflict,” Efeisi said. “It is disturbing that on an occasion meant for celebration, some individuals chose to stir up old wounds by engaging in divisive actions within Urhobo communities.”
AWL alleged that the procession might have been a calculated move to create tension, particularly at a time when political activities such as the upcoming voter registration exercise are about to begin in the Warri Federal Constituency. The group expressed concern that the Itsekiri procession could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the electoral process and undermine the recent Supreme Court ruling on the delineation of electoral wards by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Supreme Court had recently ruled on matters involving the delineation of electoral wards and units in Warri, a decision that has been closely watched by stakeholders across the ethnic groups in the area. Any form of unrest or ethnic mistrust could potentially derail the implementation of that judgment or discourage residents from participating in the democratic process.
The Agbarha Warri League called on the Delta State Government, the Federal Government, security agencies, and other well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and prevent a resurgence of conflict in Warri.
“We are calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Police Command, and all relevant federal and local authorities to act swiftly. The peace in Warri is fragile, and we must all protect it,” the statement continued.
In its appeal, the AWL also warned that such processions had been officially discouraged within Urhobo areas as a preventive measure following past crises. The group urged the Itsekiri community and the Olu of Warri’s palace to adopt more inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to celebrations, especially in ethnically mixed communities.
“We are not against any group celebrating their culture or their monarch, but it must be done with respect and understanding of the sensitivities of others living within the same space,” AWL said.
So far, there has been no official reaction from the Olu of Warri’s palace regarding the AWL’s claims. However, sources within the community insist that the anniversary procession was peaceful and meant only to honour the traditional ruler.
Observers in the region are closely watching developments as local leaders and security agencies continue to monitor the situation. Warri, being one of the economic and oil-producing hubs of the Niger Delta, has always attracted attention due to its history of ethnic complexity and long-standing rivalries.
Peace advocates and traditional leaders have in recent years worked hard to foster reconciliation and cooperation among the ethnic groups in Warri. The hope among many is that this incident does not lead to a repeat of past mistakes.
