UIY CONDEMNS MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN, WARNS AGAINST DRAGGING OLU OF WARRI’S PALACE INTO UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS

The Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY), the apex youth organisation of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, under the leadership of its President, Comrade Okotie Joseph, and Secretary, Comrade Jolomi Jakpa, has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a deliberate and misleading campaign aimed at unjustly associating the Palace of the Olu of Warri with a tragic incident currently under investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UIY condemned attempts allegedly spearheaded by Mr. Ayiri Emami to politicise the unfortunate death of Mr. Emiko Onuwaje, who was reportedly killed on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The group described such actions as an abuse of public sympathy and a calculated effort to discredit the Palace of the Olu of Warri for personal or political gain.

UIY stated categorically that the Palace of the Olu of Warri has no involvement whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, in the circumstances surrounding the killing of Mr. Onuwaje. According to the group, allegations suggesting that the Palace is shielding suspects or interfering with investigations are baseless, malicious, and unsupported by any verifiable facts, and are intended solely to incite distrust against a revered traditional institution.
The youth body further noted that exploiting a period of collective mourning to advance unfounded accusations is not only deeply insensitive to the family of the deceased but also dangerous to the peace and stability of Warri Kingdom.

The leadership of UIY warned that such reckless narratives could inflame emotions and provoke avoidable tension among communities.
Providing context, UIY explained that at the time the allegations were circulated, the Palace of the Olu of Warri was engaged in pre-scheduled and publicly known cultural activities, including the Ghighọ́n Aghọ́fẹn celebrations and the installation of new chiefs. These events, the group stated, were conducted peacefully, openly, and in strict compliance with Itsekiri customs and traditions, and had no connection to the later developments in Ogidigben.
While acknowledging that security agencies are investigating incidents that subsequently occurred in Ogidigben, UIY described it as misleading and dishonest to conflict those incidents with palace activities. The group stressed that presenting conjecture as fact and deliberately blurring timelines is a strategy aimed at confusing the public and undermining the moral authority of the Olu of Warri.

UIY also raised alarm over what it termed coordinated attempts by certain individuals, motivated by personal grievances and political vendettas, to mobilise youths toward Ogidigben with the intention of destabilising the community, with destruction of properties worth millions and targeting persons perceived to be loyal to the Palace.

The group expressed concern that while these actors have been quick to make public accusations, they have failed to acknowledge or condemn the destruction of properties worth millions of naira, including those belonging to palace supporters and Chief Captain John Deji Okpeyo. UIY further noted the contradiction in accusing Chief Captain John Deji Okpeyo, who was reportedly in Warri at the material time, of orchestrating violence in his own ancestral home.
While reiterating its sympathy and condolences to the family of the late Mr. Emiko Onuwaje, UIY cautioned against turning a tragic loss into a tool for personal retaliation or political manipulation. The group warned that sustained attacks on the Palace under false pretences could escalate tensions and plunge Warri Kingdom into an unnecessary crisis.
Consequently, the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the killing of Mr. Onuwaje and the reported cases of rape and destruction of properties in Ogidigben. UIY also urged the Delta State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area to prevent further unrest.

In conclusion, UIY reaffirmed its unwavering confidence in the Olu of Warri and his Palace, describing the throne as a sacred institution that has consistently upheld justice, peace, and unity across Warri Kingdom. The group maintained that truth will ultimately prevail over misinformation, and called on all individuals and groups to refrain from actions capable of undermining the dignity, stability, and cohesion of the Itsekiri nation.