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Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation

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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

 

Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri's Electoral Delineation

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ONDO EAST-WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY APC ADOPTS OTUNBA BOLA FISAYO

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ONDO EAST-WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY APC ADOPTS OTUNBA BOLA FISAYO

 

Ahead of APC House of Representatives Election scheduled for Saturday 16th of May 2026, Ondo EAST-WEST Federal Constituency stakeholders have adopted Otunba Bola Olawafisayo as its flagbearer.

 

Rising from the stakeholders’ meeting held at Harmony Estate in Ondo city, a source close to Otunba Bola Olawafisayo disclosed that arrangements have been perfect and party members will formally adopt Otunba Bola Olawafisayo on Saturday the very day slated very for the primary.

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Excitement as Zamfara Under Governor Lawal Begins Airlift of Pilgrims at Zamfara Airport

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Excitement as Zamfara Under Governor Lawal Begins Airlift of Pilgrims at Zamfara Airport

 

There is palpable excitement in Zamfara State as the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal officially commenced the 2026 Hajj airlift for pilgrims from the Gusau Airport (GIA). In a historic move aimed at easing the pilgrimage process, the state government announced that the first batch of pilgrims who departed for the Holy Land today, Friday, 15th May 2026.

This milestone marks the fulfillment of Governor Lawal’s promise to make direct departures from Zamfara a reality, eliminating the need for pilgrims to travel to other states for airlift. However, the state government has issued a strict advisory to the public regarding conduct at the airport. To ensure security and facilitate the smooth coordination of the airlift operations, escorting pilgrims to the airport is strictly prohibited.

Family members and friends wishing to bid farewell to their loved ones are directed to do so only at the Hajj Camp. The restriction, according to officials, is a necessary measure to prevent congestion and maintain order at the airport premises. Officials confirm that the airlift is now underway at Gusau International Airport. The development has been met with widespread praise from intending pilgrims, who expressed relief at being able to begin their spiritual journey directly from their home state.

The Zamfara State Government extended its sincere gratitude to Governor Lawal for his commitment, emphasizing that the direct airlift reflects a new chapter of convenience and efficiency for the state’s annual Hajj operations.

 

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Dr. Chris Okafor Declares Grace Nation Is In The Season Of Signs And Wonders

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Dr. Chris Okafor Declares Grace Nation Is In The Season Of Signs And Wonders

…Reaffirm that when disobedience occurs, God’s Kingdom withdraws; serving with sincerity and fervor leads to triumph

~By Sunday Adeyemi

 

The metamorphosis of Grace Nation into a terrestrial paradise is palpable, with multifaceted miracles manifesting daily, as it has evolved from a church into a comprehensive movement where the all-powerful hand of God operates in diverse dimensions

The 14th of May 2026 midweek Prophetic Healing Deliverance and Solutions service was a testament to the power of faith, witnessing remarkable displays of miraculous healings, deliverances, and solutions. God’s omnipresent hand was visibly manifest, touching lives and restoring health, notably in the case of a man afflicted with body pains for 26 years, who, after being prayed for by the Generational Prophet, experienced instantaneous relief.

During the midweek service, a notable miracle took place when an 11-year-old boy who was born mute spoke for the first time. Furthermore, a woman carrying twins for an extraordinary period of 2 years was suddenly delivered; labor ensued immediately after she received prayer, necessitating her hospitalization. In a stunning display of divine intervention, growth ceased, and a woman testified to the efficacy of the Generational Prophet’s prayers, which had been offered on her behalf a few weeks earlier. Specifically, her business-related struggles seemed insurmountable until her tricycle, which had lain dormant for weeks, suddenly sprang to life without any mechanical intervention.

Marital obstacles hindering the two brides-to-be were removed, as many expectant mothers were blessed with miracle babies. It is evident that Grace Nation is undergoing its phases of astounding Signs and Wonders.

Generational Prophet Dr. Chris Okafor, in his teachings on ‘Dealing With My Daddy’s Devil,’ points out that the sins of fathers can weigh heavily on their children, and unless one actively works to break this cycle, generational battles will inevitably continue from one generation to the next

*How to Deal with Your Daddy’s Devil*

To successfully address the issue of generational curses or strongholds in your family, it is necessary to understand the underlying spiritual principles and technical aspects. Knowing the source and method of entry of the devil into your bloodline, as well as the reasons behind its establishment in your father’s house, is vital. By understanding these key concepts, you will be able to make positive changes and effectively deal with these generational battles

*Breaking Free from Generational Conflict.*

In order to overcome the devilish influences of your father, serving your Lord and Savior in truth and spirit is essential; this empowers and elevates you above all earthly struggles

A strong prayer life is crucial for spiritual well-being; the devil commonly uses the depletion of one’s prayer life as a tactic to dominate the lives of God’s spiritually vulnerable children

Hence, the sole legitimate approach to terminating the devil’s influence within one’s family lineage involves authentic devotion to God, necessitating a superior force to dislodge an entrenched inferior spirit, with Generational Prophet of God Dr. Chris Okafor underscoring adherence to covenant principles as pivotal in transcending intergenerational curses

The midweek Prophetic Healing Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) took place at the International Headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide, situated in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.

 

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