RE: The Itsekiri Interest Group vehemently calls upon all aggrieved parties between The Itsekiri communities and Oghara/ Mosogha Kingdom to seek recourse through the legal system.
In recent times, the determination of land ownership in Delta State has regrettably been swayed by factors such as population demographics and illegal occupation rather than by legal principles. This alarming trend has prompted the Itsekiri Interest Group to raise its voice in defense of justice and fairness.
The Warri Kingdom, which encompasses communities in Warri Federal Constituency, Ethiope West, Okpe, Udu, Sapele, and Uvwie Local Governments, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and cultural significance of the Itsekiri people. While Itsekiri communities may be scarce in Delta Central, it is unequivocal that all Itsekiri communities are inherently Riverine Communities.
The principle of Equity, enshrined in the doctrine that “he who comes to Equity must come with clean hands,” underscores the importance of fairness in legal matters. However, the Itsekiri people have witnessed encroachments upon their ancestral lands by the UPU and Urhobo Monarchs, particularly in Warri South, in defiance of court rulings that have deemed them tenants in Warri.
Furthermore, the disregard for pivotal judgments, such as Osibakoro vs. Ambrose & Ors, concerning the rightful ownership of Ugbomro, Ebrumede, and Okwatata peninsula, is deeply concerning. The Nigerian legal system emphasizes possession as a primary determinant of ownership, and the Itsekiris residing in these villages in Delta Central affirm their allegiance to Ogiame Atuwase III CFR.
the Itsekiri Interest Group vehemently calls upon all aggrieved parties to seek recourse through the legal system. It is only through adherence to the rule of law that equitable resolutions can be achieved.
Signed:
Gbubemi Awala
Chairman, Itsekiri Interest Group
Weyinmi Yalaju
Secretary, Itsekiri Interest Group
Chinedu Nzogbu