Itsekiri Community Asaba (ICA) Rejects INEC Ward Delineation in Warri LGAs, Calls for International Intervention*

   

Asaba, Delta State 

The Itsekiri Community Asaba has issued a strongly worded communiqué rejecting the proposed ward delineation by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas (LGAs), calling it a “calculated act of oppression” against their ancestral rights. The resolution, dated April 14, 2025, follows an emergency meeting held on Sunday, April 13, where  leaders and members from various Itsekiri groups in Asaba condemned the exercise as a violation of constitutional and international protections for minority groups.  

 Key Grievances: Itsekiri Accuse INEC of Political Marginalization  

The communiqué asserts that the Itsekiri, recognized as the sole aboriginal inhabitants of the Warri Kingdom, are being systematically disenfranchised by INEC’s redrawing of electoral wards. Specific concerns include:  

Warri South-West LGA: Itsekiri wards decreased from 6 to 5 (17% reduction), while Ijaw wards surged from 4 to 14 (250% increase).  

- **Warri South and Warri North LGAs**: Similar reductions allegedly render the Itsekiri a minority in their ancestral homeland.  

The document contrasts this with Delta State’s eight majority-Urhobo LGAs and three majority-Ijaw LGAs, arguing the Itsekiri—with only the 3 Warri LGA as their exclusive indigenous LGA—are being unfairly targeted.  

 Legal and Historical Objections  

The ICA  accuses INEC and the Federal Government of violating:  

1. Nigerian Constitution: Sections 14(3) and 15(2) on equitable representation.  

2. International Law: Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.  

3. Supreme Court Precedent: A 2005 ruling affirming Itsekiri ownership of Warri South-West and Warri North.  

They also condemn the delineation for undermining the authority of the Olu of Warri, the traditional ruler whose jurisdiction is legally recognized.  

Resolutions and Demands  

The Itsekiri Community Asaba resolved to:  

1. Resist the proposed delineation through “all lawful means.”  

2. Demand animmediate reversal of INEC’s ward allocation to restore Itsekiri majority representation.  

3. Call for a National Assembly investigation into alleged collusion between INEC and non-indigenous groups.  

4. Seek international intervention from the United Nations and African Union to address “violations of minority rights.”  

 Quotes from Leaders and members

Tuoyo Raymond Ogholaja, Chairman of the Itsekiri Community Asaba, stated: *“This is not an administrative error but a deliberate erasure of our political identity. We will no longer tolerate the Federal Government’s complicity in stripping us of our heritage.

Victor Etchie, Chairman of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) Asaba Chapter, added: Justice demands that INEC respects our status as the aboriginal owners of Warri Kingdom.

The ICA vice chairman Anthony Rewane, Gbesimi Edun and Mr Anthony Dudu also gave a very strong response to this situation 

 Context and Response  

The communiqué comes amid longstanding tensions in Delta State over political representation. INEC has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. Attempts by this blog to reach INEC officials for comment were unanswered at the time of publication.  

Next Steps  

The Itsekiri community has vowed to escalate advocacy through legal challenges and international appeals. Observers note the dispute could heighten ethnic tensions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections if unresolved.  

Signed

Tuoyo Raymond Ogholaja (Chairman, Itsekiri Community Asaba)  

Victor Etchie (Chairman, NAIG Asaba Chapter)