Ekurede Youths Appeal to Olu of Warri to Intervene Urgently on Community Youth Crisis

Ekurede Community, Warri Kingdom —
Tension heightened on Tuesday as youths of Ekurede Community staged a peaceful protest at the Palace of the Olu of Warri, appealing for the urgent intervention of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, over what they described as persistent violations of the royal proclamation on youth leadership and structure across Itsekiri communities.

The protest, led by Okotie Temisanren and Bawo Akpafu, attracted a large turnout of youths within the recognised 18–40 age bracket. The demonstrators accused certain community leaders and elders of undermining the authority of the Palace by attempting to impose a youth leadership arrangement that contradicts the directive issued by His Majesty on 23 August 2025.

According to the protesting youths, the Olu of Warri had clearly directed that all existing community youth structures should remain in place pending the formal activation of a new, government-recognised youth framework under the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY) for youths aged 18 to 40 years. They further stated that, with the activation of the statutory framework for the 18–40 age group, any parallel or imposed structure amounts to a direct breach of the Palace proclamation.
Chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards affirming loyalty to the throne of Warri Kingdom, the youths alleged that Chief Edwin E. Olley, also known as Eni Ogbarame (Ofone) of Warri, alongside some members of the Ekurede Community leadership, have continued to interfere in youth affairs in defiance of the Palace directive.

The protesters further alleged plans to install Mr. Olowu, popularly known as “Chinese,” who is said to be above 50 years of age, as youth chairman of Ekurede Community—an action they insist directly contradicts the Olu’s proclamation. They noted that despite reported advice from the Atosan family secretary urging compliance with the royal order, some individuals, named as Emiko Oghomienor, Oritsema Olley, Ajo-lor Tenuma, and Joseph Erikowa, have allegedly continued to oppose the directive and push for the installation of an elder as youth chairman.
The youths also raised concerns over alleged plots by individuals above the recognised youth age bracket to intimidate outspoken youths and facilitate their arrest for defending the Palace proclamation. They described such alleged actions as provocative and a challenge to the authority of the Olu of Warri.

Addressing the gathering at the Palace, protest leaders Okotie Temisanren and Bawo Akpafu emphasised that the demonstration was peaceful and motivated by loyalty to the throne and the development of Ekurede Community. They appealed to His Majesty to urgently intervene by calling all concerned parties to order and ensuring full compliance with the Palace directive to prevent further escalation of tensions.

The youths also called on the leadership of the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY) and Itsekiri youths across Warri Kingdom to step in, promote unity, and collectively uphold the Olu’s proclamation.

The protest remained peaceful at the time of filing this report, with participants reaffirming their commitment to peace, unity, and respect for traditional authority.
Long live His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR.
Long live Warri Kingdom.