Warri Needs Peace, Not Ownership Wars: Embracing Harmony Among Itsekiri, Urhobo, And Ijaw

Warri, Delta State, remains one of Nigeria’s most historically significant and resource-rich urban centres. Yet, for decades, it has been weighed down by recurring ethnic tensions, largely revolving around questions of land, identity, and ownership. Most recently, a troubling pattern has re-emerged: the claim — particularly among some elements of the Itsekiri ethnic group — that they alone “own Warri.”

Such a mentality is not only historically misleading but deeply dangerous. Warri Federal Constituency is not, and has never been, the exclusive property of one ethnic group. It is a shared space — a melting pot — that belongs equally to the Agbarha-Warri Urhobo, the Okere-Urhobo, the Ijaw, and the Itsekiri. These groups are all part of the constituency ‘s heritage, and each holds legitimate historical and legal claims to their lands and communities.

As Delta State looks toward the future, it is clear: _Warri needs development, not division; peace, not provocation._

*A Shared City with Shared History*

The notion that Warri is a mono-ethnic city is historically inaccurate. While the Itsekiri people have a long-standing kingdom and cultural presence through the Olu of Warri, they are not the sole indigenes of the area. The Agbarha-Warri and Okere-Urhobo people have inhabited their lands for generations and are legally recognized by the Delta State Government with gazetted traditional institutions. Their presence is not symbolic — it is enshrined in both history and law.

The Ijaw communities, too, particularly around Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, and other riverine territories, are deeply integrated into the Warri Federal Constituency. Their economic and cultural footprint is visible and enduring.

All three groups have lived in, contributed to, and helped shaped the Warri Federal Constituency. Each one has a right to coexist — not as tenants or visitors — but as co-owners of Warri Federal Constituency with shared destiny.

*The Dangers of Ethnic Supremacy*

When slogans such as “Na we get Warri” are chanted during traditional processions or youth gatherings, they may seem like harmless cultural affirmations. In truth, however, they are often received as provocative and inflammatory by Urhobo and Ijaw communities. These messages carry an undertone of exclusion, a denial of others’ rights, and a reinforcement of dangerous historical grievances.

Such rhetoric has real-world consequences. It has triggered violent clashes in the past, led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and deepened mistrust between ethnic neighbors. It undermines the work of peace builders, damages Warri’s reputation, and alienates the younger generation who yearn for progress, not conflict.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has rightly called for peace and restraint, reminding all communities that he is a governor for all Deltans — not one ethnic group. However, peace should not be a temporary appeal from government. It must be a permanent principle embraced by all ethnicities in Warri.

*The Legal and Political Realities*

The claim of exclusive ownership is not only divisive — it is unfounded. Under the laws of Delta State, both the Agbarha-Warri Kingdom and the Okere-Urhobo Kingdom are gazetted and legally recognized. Their traditional rulers are accorded the same rights and privileges as any other in the state.

What this means is that Urhobo communities in Warri are not settlers. They are not occupying borrowed land. They are co-indigenes with rightful cultural, political, and territorial claims. The same applies to the Ijaw communities in the riverine areas who continue to assert their place in the Federal Constituency ’s geography and governance structures.

These recognitions by government institutions must be respected not only in law but in everyday discourse, interactions, and attitudes.

*Warri Needs Development, Not Ethnic Wars*

At the heart of this debate lies a fundamental truth: ethnic conflict does not build cities. It does not construct roads, create jobs, or power hospitals. It does not educate our children or develop our economy.

What Warri needs is not another crisis — it needs collaboration. The infrastructure in the city is deteriorating. Youth unemployment is rising. Environmental degradation, especially in riverine and oil-producing areas, continues to affect all communities equally. In the face of these challenges, our energies must be directed towards collective solutions, not ancient rivalries.

Investors, businesses, and even government agencies are hesitant to commit resources in an environment seen as volatile. Ethnic clashes scare away progress. In contrast, a stable, inclusive, and peaceful Warri will attract the opportunities the city desperately needs.

*Embracing Unity, Respect, and Dialogue*

This is a call — especially to our Itsekiri brothers and sisters. Pride in one’s culture is commendable, but it must not cross into supremacist thinking. The time has come to shed the outdated mindset of exclusive ownership and embrace the reality of shared heritage.

Equally, Urhobo and Ijaw communities must continue to engage in peace building efforts, respond with maturity, and resist provocation. Let us not fall into the trap of ethnic retaliation.

We must create spaces for inclusive dialogue — not only during crises but as part of regular civic life. Cultural exchange programs, inter-ethnic festivals, joint youth development initiatives, and local peace committees should be encouraged across all communities. Traditional rulers, political leaders, and civil society groups must lead by example and publicly denounce hate speech or any rhetoric that threatens unity.

Warri is more than just a city. It is a symbol of potential — a place where oil wealth, rich cultures, and resilient people intersect. But its full potential will never be realized if we remain stuck in ownership battles that only divide us.

Warri Federal Constituency is home — to the Agbarha-Warri Urhobo, the Okere-Urhobo, the Ijaws, and the Itsekiris. It is time we all started acting like it.

By _Ibuakevwe Ejiroghene_
An indigene of Edjeba Community, Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, Warri South Local Government Area