society
Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation
Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation
Introduction
The Itsekiri people, indigenous to the Warri region of Delta State, Nigeria, have a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries. Their ancestral lands, encompassing Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (LGAs), have been the epicenter of their socio-political and economic activities. However, recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning ward delineation in these areas have raised significant concerns about the marginalization of the Itsekiri people and the potential erosion of their historical rights.
Historical Context of Itsekiri Land Ownership
The Kingdom of Warri, established in 1480, stands as a testament to the longstanding presence and sovereignty of the Itsekiri people in the region. Historical records and maps, including the 1922 colonial map of Nigeria, clearly depict the Itsekiri territory as distinct and well-defined, nestled between the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups. This demarcation underscores the recognition of Itsekiri lands during colonial times, affirming their territorial claims.
Furthermore, historical accounts, such as those by European travelers in the 19th century, highlight the geographical boundaries of the Itsekiri. For instance, a traveler in 1864 noted, “At Warri, we were within one day’s row of the Sobo people,” indicating that the Urhobo (referred to as Sobo) were not originally situated within Warri but were neighbors to the Itsekiri.
INEC’s Controversial Ward Delineation
In April 2025, INEC released a new ward delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency, which includes Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West LGAs. The report proposed a reduction of wards in Itsekiri-dominated areas while increasing those in Ijaw and Urhobo regions. Specifically, the Itsekiri wards in Warri North were reduced from six to four, whereas the Ijaw wards increased from four to ten.
This reconfiguration has been met with strong opposition from the Itsekiri community, who view it as a deliberate attempt to marginalize them politically. The Itsekiri National Development Initiative (INDI) has petitioned INEC, labeling the delineation as biased and lacking transparency. They argue that such actions not only undermine their political representation but also threaten their cultural and historical identity.
Implications of the Delineation
The reduction of Itsekiri wards has far-reaching implications:
Political Marginalization: Fewer wards translate to reduced political representation, limiting the Itsekiri’s influence in local governance and decision-making processes.
Cultural Erosion: Diminished political presence can lead to the neglect of Itsekiri cultural heritage, traditions and language in policy formulations and implementations.
Economic Disadvantage: Political underrepresentation may result in fewer developmental projects and resource allocations to Itsekiri communities, exacerbating economic disparities.
Calls for Justice and Equity
The Itsekiri community’s outcry is not merely about political representation but about preserving their identity and rights. They demand that INEC revisits the delineation exercise, ensuring that it reflects the true demographic and historical realities of the region. As one community leader aptly stated, “We cannot allow our ancestral lands and rights to be eroded under the guise of administrative adjustments.”
Final Word: A Stand for Justice and Indigenous Rights
The struggle of the Itsekiri people is not a cry for favoritism but a demand for justice rooted in historical fact, equity, and democratic fairness. No nation thrives when its founding ethnic nationalities are silenced or politically diminished. The deliberate attempt to redraw boundaries at the expense of the Itsekiri, custodians of the original Warri territory is a betrayal not only of their people but of Nigeria’s constitutional promise of fairness to all.
INEC must retrace its steps and correct this injustice before it festers into deeper ethnic tensions. As Thomas Jefferson warned, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” The Itsekiri are not begging for mercy; they are asserting their constitutional and ancestral rights.
Let the three Warris – Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West be preserved as Itsekiri territory, as history, maps and facts clearly affirm. Let not political manipulation replace justice. Let Nigeria not trample on the dignity of a people who built one of West Africa’s oldest and most organized kingdoms.
Written and Compiled by George Omagbemi Sylvester
For further insights into the Itsekiri community’s stance and protests regarding the INEC’s ward delineation, you may find the following video informative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbjD_-1YnG0
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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