Warri South Crisis: Urhobo Renaissance Society Advocates Peace, Equity, Fairness, Caution

 

The Executive and all members of Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS) have urged the critical stakeholders in Warri, their proxies and the general public to pursue peace. This is by recognising and respecting the constitutional boundaries of peaceful coexistence in Warri.

In a press statement signed by Prof. Joseph Abugu, SAN, President and Dr John Uwa, General Secretary,                   URS said it took this position from a deep understanding of the “clear but intricate boundaries, histories and geographies characterizing the delicate but inevitable coexistence of  Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo  people in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State; and in recognition of the four constitutionally gazetted kingdoms in Warri.”

 

Below is the press statement

 

THE AUGUST 23RD/25TH 2025 ETHNIC TENSION BEWTEEN URHOBO AND ITSEKIRI IN WARRI TOWNSHIP: A CALL FOR PEACE, EQUITY, FAIRNESS AND CAUTION

 

ATTENTION: The Presidency, the National Security Adviser, INEC, Delta State Government, and all critical stake holders in Delta State.

We, the Executive and entire members of Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), make this statement from a deep understanding of the clear but intricate boundaries, histories and geographies characterizing the delicate but inevitable coexistence of  Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo  people in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State; and in recognition of the four constitutionally gazetted kingdoms in Warri. We urge the critical stakeholders in Warri, their proxies and the general public to pursue peace by recognizing and respecting the constitutional boundaries of peaceful coexistence in Warri.

On the above premise, we condemn in the strongest possible terms, the recent outbreak of ethnic tension between the Urhobo and Itsekiri communities in Warri, Delta State. We note from available media reports that there was no organized group that confronted the Itsekiri procession celebrating the 4^th coronation of the Olu. It is reported that the near fracas resulted from the use of brazen and provocative statements profiling legal and aboriginal ethnicities in Warri South as “slaves and tenants” by the persons in the procession. This was clearly avoidable.

Such inflammatory profiling, coupled with the repeated destruction of the Urhobo cultural edifice, the UPU House, could reignite long-standing tensions and grievances which culminated in similar Warri crisis of the past. It’s an ill wind that blows no good. We all cherish the vibrant Warri of peace and harmony between natives and non-natives. Beyond the ijaw, itsekiri and Urhobo in the metroplosis, there are several other tribes in the land who contribute daily to its economy. While we recognize the historical complexities and competing narratives surrounding land ownership and political representation in Warri, we use the press release to emphasize that divisive rhetoric and violent clashes only serve to undermine the peace and stability that our city desperately needs. Ijaws, itskiris and Urhobos must live in peace within the Warri metropolis as the Almighty God has joined them together.

Therefore, for the sake of peaceful coexistence, as inevitable recipe for peace, unity and progress in Warri, we make the following Demands and action plan:

1. We call on all parties involved to immediately cease any form of provocation, hostility and violence;
2. A thorough investigation into the destruction of the UPU House and other incidents of violence, with perpetrators held accountable;
3. Community leaders, youth groups, and stakeholders must engage in meaningful dialogue to address underlying issues and work towards reconciliation;
4. The state government should deploy security personnel to maintain peace and order in Warri;
5. The state government and other stakeholders should facilitate dialogue between the Urhobo and Itsekiri communities to address grievances and promote understanding required for peace;
6. Implement measures, like the recent Supreme Court judgment on ward delineation, to prevent further escalation of tensions and promote peaceful coexistence based on territorial boundaries and integrity.

Finally, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace, unity, and understanding among the diverse ethnic groups in Warri. By working together, we can build a brighter future for our city and ensure that the progress made in recent years is not undone by avoidable conflicts

 

Signed,

 

 

Prof. Joseph Abugu, SAN                                                                             Dr. John Uwa

       (President URS)                                                                                (Gen. Secretary URS)