According to Vanguard, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, a rights activist, has cautioned both the Federal Government and the Delta State Government against yielding to demands for the delineation of wards in Warri Federal Constituency by the Ijaw community.In a statement, Lori-Ogbebor asserted that the Warri Kingdom belongs historically to the Itsekiri people. She emphasized the legal rulings affirming Itsekiri ownership of Warri and urged adherence to constitutional provisions stipulating ten wards per local government across the country.
She said:”The history of Urhobo and Ijaw fighting the Itsekiri is very historical indeed but the Itsekiri has tried, especially when their are people who don’t want violence.
Lori-Ogbebor stated: “The Itsekiris have consistently defended their rights through legal means, as violence is not an option we embrace. The recent demand for additional wards by the Ijaws disregards our constitutionally established structure."
She recounted past legal battles where attempts to increase the number of wards beyond ten were challenged and eventually corrected by court decisions. Lori-Ogbebor highlighted the importance of upholding these rulings to maintain peace and legality in the region.
Lori-Ogbebor further expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Niger Delta and called upon national authorities to intervene proactively to prevent any further destabilization.