Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi Fuels Crisis in Odion Community, Warri

It has come to our attention that the very government entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property in Warri, Delta State, is instead aiding and abetting crisis within the region. The administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State and an Urhobo man, has on several occasions constituted panels of inquiry to investigate the lingering dispute in Odion Community between the Itsekiri landlords and some Urhobo tenants.

In all instances, findings have consistently revealed that the Urhobos have no ancestral or ownership claim to any portion of land within Odion Community. The two plots of land now being falsely referred to as “Odion Urhobo” were originally farmlands generously allocated to the Urhobo tenants by the Itsekiri families of Odion.

Despite these revelations and the clear legal position on the matter, including court and Supreme Court rulings affirming Itsekiri ownership, the government has failed to call the Urhobo faction to order. The persistent use of the name “Odion Urhobo” remains the primary source of unrest in the area.

It is therefore disturbing to observe that the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi is now openly fueling this crisis by referring to Onoriode Street as “Odion Urhobo”, a name that is alien to Odion Community and contrary to judicial pronouncements. By this action, the state government and its agents are indirectly endorsing illegality and disregarding the rule of law.

We call on both the Commissioner of Police and the Delta State Government to remain impartial in addressing issues affecting Warri. The same Commissioner has repeatedly failed to act in the case involving the shooting of Itsekiri youths in Okere by one Niyi, an incident the government has conveniently ignored. This selective enforcement of justice raises serious concerns about bias and ethnic favoritism.

As of this moment, all the Urhobo youths seen carrying weapons in videos online have not been arrested, yet the Commissioner of Police is saying that they are investigating the incident, how can we trust the police when justice haven’t been served in all the attacks done by both Idimi-Sobo, ijaw and agbassa youths on itsekiri peaceful youths?

We are also using this medium to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently caution the Governor of Delta State against actions capable of igniting ethnic tension in the region. Continued provocation and bias in Warri will not only endanger lives and property but also disrupt oil production, a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economy.

Peace and justice must prevail in Odion Community and across Warri.

Signed:

Mrs Tsaye Edeyibo mene
1st Vice President
Ugbarajo itsekiri youth (UIY) and Convener Warri Reclamation Thrust (WRT)