Tension is brewing in Delta State as the Gbaramatu-Ijaws issued a stern warning to the Itsekiri people on Monday, cautioning them against trespassing and claiming ownership of Ijaghala Community and other lands belonging to the Gbaramatu-Ijaw people.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ijaghala Community town hall, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, emphasized that they would not stand idle while others attempt to invade and claim ownership of their lands.
"The Itsekiris are customary tenants to the Gbaramatu people," Gbenekama insisted, warning that any attempt to claim ownership of Ijaghala Community could lead to crisis.
Background of the Conflict
This warning comes days after the Itsekiris sent a "Save Our Soul" message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and security agencies. In their appeal, they claimed there was tension in riverine communities including Ijaghala, Kantu, Obodo, Omadino, Ugborodo, and other Itsekiri settlements following alleged threats from former Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) leader, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo), and the Ijaws of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
The Itsekiris have been claiming ownership of Ijaghala Community, a riverine settlement that the Gbaramatu-Ijaws insist belongs to them.
Ijaghala Community Leaders Speak Out
At the press conference, Ijaghala Community leaders pledged their allegiance to the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Aketekpe Agadagba II, Oboro Gbaraun, and categorically stated that they are part of Gbaramatu Kingdom, not Ugborodo Community as claimed by the Itsekiri people.
"The general public, local government, federal government, and the international community should take note that Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba) Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom is an Ijaw community and is never, was never, and will never be part of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality," the leaders declared.
The statement was made by several community leaders including the Tieyemienwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Samuel Oritsegbubemi Eyengho; Mr. Sunday Akpa Fundlire Akpfundlire; Mr. Wilson Abeson; Youth President Remere; Mrs. Grace Remere Lukundritse Mofe; Mrs. Dolor Utseoritselaju; Mr. Ebi Jolomi; and Mrs. Mary D. Sangbajumi.
Historical Context
The leaders provided historical context to support their claims, stating that Ijaghala (also known as Zou-Ala Uba) was originally a fishing and palm wine tapping camp of Gbaramatu ancestors before Egbegha was born and prior to the existence of Ugborodo.
According to their account, Egbegha, considered the founder of the community, relocated from Ikantu to Oporoza, and then permanently settled in Zou-Ala Uba. He later married an Itsekiri woman from Ugborodo named Erigbawewenimara, who bore him two children, Egogo and Asako.
"While growing up, these children were more close to their Ugborodo mother, who spoke the Itsekiri dialect with them. In turn, Egogo also married Itsekiri women and brought them to Ijaghala. This is how the Itsekiri dialect became spoken by some of the Ijaghala people, and thus the community became affiliated with the Itsekiri ethnic group," they explained.
The community leaders expressed dismay that some descendants of Egbegha and Egogo have been alienating their paternal ancestral Gbaramatu land to their maternal Ugborodo Community, causing problems among their kinsmen in Oporoza Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, and the larger Ijaw nation.
Pledge of Allegiance
The leaders concluded by reaffirming their ancestral lineage with Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, and pledged their loyalty to His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaram II (JP), Aketekpe Agadagba, the Pere of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom.
"We will continue to affirm and remain in the traditional institution of Gbaramatu Kingdom," they stated.
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