Sapele Is Not Solely Okpe Territory: Itsekiri Historical Front (IHF) Backs Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, Alema of Warri Kingdom

The Itsekiri and Okpe people are among the closest ethnic groups in Delta State. We have lived side by side for centuries, traded together, intermarried, and maintained a relationship built on mutual respect. This longstanding bond should not be destroyed by recent territorial claims rooted in misinformation. That said, the Itsekiri Historical Front (IHF) cannot remain silent when history and law are being distorted.

Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, is absolutely correct. Sapele does not belong solely to the Okpe. Sapele is a multi-ethnic town with deep Itsekiri historical roots. Any attempt to present Sapele as exclusively Okpe territory is historically false and legally misleading.

It is important to state clearly that the Okpe — referred to in early records as “Sobo” — were not documented in Sapele until the late 1800s and early 1900s. By contrast, the Itsekiri were well documented by European explorers, traders, and colonial officials from the early 1800s through the mid-1900s as being present, active, and influential in Sapele. The question therefore is simple: where were the Okpe during this period?

How can absolute ownership be claimed over Sapele when historical records show that, for a long time, the Itsekiri were the only clearly documented people there?

European and colonial sources are unambiguous. These are not opinions; they are direct historical records:
• “First we come to the Jakris, who are connected in race and language with the Yoruba people, extending from the Mahin country on the west to the Forcados on the east, and inland about as far as Sapele.”
— Captain H. L. Gallwey, British Vice-Consul, 1893 (The Geographical Journal)

The question we keep asking Okpe leaders is a simple one they have consistently avoided: if the Itsekiri allegedly came to Sapele as refugees during the Chief Nana–British war of 1894, how is it historically possible that the Itsekiri were already documented as being present, influential, and in control of Sapele in 1892–1893? These records exist. They are written, dated, and traceable. History does not move backwards.

• “West of the Niger Delta, the Itsekiri settlements included Ebrohemie, Warri and Sapele.”
— another writer, covering events from late 1800s

• “I am arranging for carriers and water transport with the Jakri Chiefs of Warri, Benin and Sapele, so that when I meet Admiral Rawson at Brass…”
— European Captain, 1897

These records clearly establish Itsekiri settlements, influence, and chiefly authority extending inland to Sapele, explicitly naming Sapele alongside Warri and the Benin River within the Itsekiri sphere of operation.

Beyond history, the law is equally clear. In the Sapele land case presided over by Justice Jackson — the same judge who earlier ruled in favour of the Itsekiri in the Warri land dispute against the Agbassa. the Okpe-Urhobo were granted possessory rights over 510 acres of land in Sapele under WACA 41/43. This judgment did not grant them ownership of Sapele, but ownership of the land in dispute which is the 510 acres in Sapele LGA.

By contrast, the Itsekiri were awarded full title to Obotie land on the 27th day of March, 1925, a judgment reaffirmed in 2008, covering over 1,800 acres of land. In addition, the Itsekiri historically owned and exercised control over several tracts of land in and around Sapele, including Ugberikoko, Ajimele, Ogun-Aja in Sapele etc.

These facts firmly establish that Sapele is partly owned by the Itsekiri and partly by the Okpe-Urhobo, not exclusively by any single group.

It is therefore careless if not outright intellectual bankruptcy — for anyone to claim that the Itsekiri have nothing to do with Sapele or that they only arrived there recently. Historical and legal evidence shows the opposite. The truth is that the Okpe came to Sapele and met the Itsekiri there, not the other way around.

Let it also be stated clearly: the Orodje of Okpe has the right to site a palace within the 510 acres of land legally recognized as Okpe land in Sapele Local Government Area. However, attempting to site a palace on Itsekiri land within Sapele LGA is a provocation capable of leading to unrest — something no responsible leadership should encourage.

Sapele has remained peaceful because boundaries, history, and court judgments have largely been respected. We therefore call on the Okpe Council to respect these boundaries, adhere strictly to legal and historical realities, and refrain from actions capable of destabilizing a town that has enjoyed peace for generations.

Peace must not be sacrificed on the altar of historical distortion.

Signed:
Comr. Lily-white O Esigbone
Chairman

Mr. Oritsegbubemi Adrian Edema
Chairman itsekiri historical front UK

Silva Samuel Maku
Secretary

Comr. Oritseweyiologbara Kwame Woode
PRO