Itsekiri Isolated Communities Protest The Unjust Marginalization of Itsekiri Ethnic Communities in Ethiope West LGA
Introduction:
In the heart of Southern Nigeria lies a community plagued by unfair treatment and marginalization. The Itsekiri people, an ethnic group residing in Ethiope West and East Local Government areas in Delta State, have endured immense oppression at the hands of their Urhobo neighbors, with support from the state and local government. This unfortunate reality has persisted since the inception of Delta state, leaving the Itsekiri’s excluded, oppressed, and deprived of development and basic human amenities.
Exclusion and Neglect:
Despite having over 11 communities and more than 24 voting units, the Itsekiri people have been continuously excluded from the benefits of development. Even when amenities manage to reach their communities through intervention agencies, they are often stolen, vandalized, or abandoned by their Urhobo contractors. The Delta State government has awarded road projects throughout Oghara communities, but none have been extended to the Itsekiri-inhabited areas. Roads that are paved from Urhobo communities abruptly come to a halt at the boundaries leading to Itsekiri communities such as Ijegbo Efruokpe, serving as a clear demonstration of the oppression perpetuated by the Delta State government.
Devastating Consequences:
The oppression faced by the Itsekiri people extends to essential services. Electrical lines leading to their communities have been vandalized, with electrical poles pushed to the ground. Additionally, transformers and solar-powered water tanks in Efruokpe and Oyeaja have fallen victim to vandalism by their Urhobo neighbors. The consequences of this oppression are evident in the health sector as well. The Ethiope local government council has refused to send health workers to the abandoned community health care center, leading to increased mortality rates and the deterioration of the building itself.
Education and Water Crisis:
Education also suffers under this oppressive regime. A two-block classroom built by Desopadec, one completed and the other incomplete, in Efruokpe community has remained teacherless for years. Students are forced to traverse long distances on foot to access primary education, all due to the neglect of the Ethiope West and East Local Government Council. Furthermore, the communities of Ibrifo and Oyeaja lack proper educational facilities altogether.
Another pressing issue faced by the Itsekiri people is the lack of access to clean drinking water. With no boreholes or means to obtain potable water, the communities are forced to rely on rivers. However, even this source is hindered, as the borehole projects have been vandalized by their Urhobo neighbors. Efforts to engage the Ethiope West and East Local Government Council in fixing these issues have been met with resistance, leaving the Itsekiri people in a dire situation.
Stripped of Livelihood:
The Itsekiri people have a deep-rooted love for fishing and exploring their riverine terrain. However, due to the theft of their fishing boats and their inability to afford replacements, these communities are deprived of their primary means of sustenance.
Call for Justice:
It is the duty of the state government to protect all its citizens, regardless of their population, political affiliation, or beliefs. The Itsekiri people in Ethiope West and East Local Government Council have only experienced neglect and oppression from both the State government and the Ethiope local government council simply because they are considered a “minority” in Ethiope. The fact that they campaigned and voted en masse for the present administration holds no weight, as long as they are Itsekiri and reside in Ethiope West and East Local Government Council, they are denied the dividends of democracy.
Contrasting Injustice:
In striking contrast, the Urhobos in Warri South, who lack aboriginal communities, enjoy significant benefits such as local government vice-chairmen, house of assembly members, and counselors. Meanwhile, the Itsekiri people, with over 10 aboriginal communities, have never had the privilege of being appointed a councilor or party chairman.
Conclusion:
Both the Delta State government and the Ethiope local government council bear responsibility for perpetuating this oppression. Urgent action is required to rectify the situation and ensure that the Itsekiri people receive the benefits rightfully meant for them. It is time for justice and equality to prevail, allowing the Itsekiri ethnic communities in Ethiope West and East to flourish and thrive like any other community in Nigeria.
Signed:
For Itsekiri Isolated Communities
Mr. Oritsegbubemi Adrian Edema
Chairman
Mr Henry Mene
Secretary
Comdr Oritsematosan J Ukuejubola
Comdr Lilywhite O. Esigbone