…Says OPC Has No Stake in Warri
The Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) has issued a strong-worded rebuttal to the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) over what it described as “misguided and provocative” comments on the ongoing delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement released on Friday and signed by its National Convener, Comrade Yangaboy Erekedoumene Jonathan, the group categorically stated that OPC has no legal, historical, or ethnic link to the Warri axis and should refrain from interfering in affairs that concern only the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people.
Read full press statement below:
RE: STRONG REBUTTAL TO OPC’S MISGUIDED COMMENTS ON WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY DELINEATION
The attention of the Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) has been drawn to the recent publication by the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency. We issue this firm response with facts, history, and clarity—because silence in the face of falsehood can no longer be tolerated.
Ijaws: The Most Populous Tribe in Warri Federal Constituency
The Ijaw people are the largest ethnic group in the Warri Federal Constituency, which consists of Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West LGAs. The Ijaws dominate Warri South-West and Warri North in population and landmass. We are also significantly represented in Warri South.
By contrast, the Itsekiris are only present in these same LGAs and are not dominant in any of them. They share these LGAs with the Ijaws and the Urhobo. Therefore, the Ijaw population clearly exceeds that of the Itsekiris within the constituency. This is not conjecture—it is a demographic fact that cannot be distorted.
*OPC Has No Jurisdiction Over Warri*
Let it be made abundantly clear: OPC has no legal, ethnic, cultural, or political stake in Warri Federal Constituency. The Warri axis is not an extension of Yoruba land, nor does it fall within OPC’s traditional or contemporary jurisdiction.
The people of Warri Federal Constituency are Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo, and not Yoruba. OPC’s ignorance of the demography of this area disqualifies it from meddling in the affairs of Warri. Its presence in this conversation is unsolicited and insulting to the actual stakeholders of the region.
INEC’s Delineation Exercise Was Transparent and Inclusive
The delineation process was not an imposition. It was carried out in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling and under the lawful directives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The process involved extensive consultations with representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities.
OPC’s accusation of bias is false, misinformed, and seeks to delegitimize a lawful process that is long overdue. What INEC is doing today is not a conspiracy—it is the correction of historic injustices.
Ijaws Are the First People of Warri Federal Constituency
Historically, the Ijaws are the aboriginal settlers of the Warri Federal Constituency. The Ijaw kingdoms of Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijaw, Egbema, and others have been on these lands centuries before the emergence of the Itsekiri nation.
By landmass, population, and historical continuity, the Ijaw presence predates all others in Warri. It is, therefore, deeply offensive that outsiders like OPC would attempt to question our rights.
On OPC’s Threat of War
The Save Ijaw Nation condemns in the strongest terms the subtle threat of war issued by OPC on behalf of the Itsekiris. We know whose interest they serve, and we are not deceived.
Let it be known: The Ijaw people are peace-loving, but we are not cowards. If any group—be it the OPC or their Itsekiri allies—intends to provoke violence, we remind them of the bitter lessons recorded in the last war they so proudly reference. We remember how it ended. We advise restraint.
*Ijaw Lands Are Not for Trade or Appeasement*
The Ijaw people will never surrender their ancestral lands, nor will we trade away our demographic rights or political future in the name of appeasing aggressors. Not to the Itsekiri. Not to the OPC. Not to anyone.
The Real Historical Relationship Between Ijaw and Itsekiri
OPC calls Itsekiris their “younger brothers,” but let history speak clearly:
When Prince Ginuwa was expelled from the Bini empire for sleeping with his father’s wife, he fled into the creeks. It was Pere Ogirijoga, King of the Iduwini Kingdom, who gave Ginuwa a home and a wife—Princess Adirimo of Amatu.
Rather than honour this kindness, Prince Ginuwa murdered Princess Adirimo and fled again, this time deeper into Ijaw territory—Escravos River, where he encountered and settled among the Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijaw, and Egbema Ijaw clans. That was the real beginning of what is today known as the Itsekiri people.
The Ijaws are not only older—we are the mothers of the Itsekiri. Let OPC take note of this history before they continue to provoke their supposed in-laws.
On the Current Delineation Process
The current delineation is not a gift—it is a delayed justice finally approaching reality. The Ijaw people have for too long been denied their full identity, dignity, and democratic rights.
We, therefore, pass a vote of confidence on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its ongoing delineation process. We commend INEC’s courage and urge them to fully implement the field report without fear or favour.
Final Warning to OPC and the Itsekiri
The OPC is hereby warned: Stay out of the affairs of the Warri Federal Constituency. Your presence is unwelcome and provocative.
The Itsekiris must also accept the reality of today, stop playing the victim, and embrace the peace process. Attempting to derail INEC’s work through threats and propaganda will not succeed. The Warri Federal Constituency belongs to all its people—not one ethnic group.
In Conclusion
We remain committed to peace, justice, and development. But we also remain firmly committed to defending our identity, our land, and our future.
Let this be the last time outsiders like OPC insult the Ijaw Nation in the name of ethnic chauvinism.
Signed,
Comrade Yangaboy Erekedoumene Jonathan
National Convener
Save Ijaw Nation (SIN)
Email: saveijawnation@gmail.com
