OPEN LETTER / REBUTTAL
RE: “FOUNDATION LAYING CEREMONY OF THE SUB-PALACE OF THE ORODJE OF OKPE KINGDOM IN SAPELE TOWN ON SATURDAY, 24 JANUARY, 2026” AND THE FALSE, PROVOCATIVE, AND LEGALLY UNSUSTAINABLE CLAIMS OF SENATOR EDE DAFINONE
The attention of the Itsekiri Historical Front (IHF) and the entire Itsekiri nation has been drawn to the publication credited to Senator Ede Dafinone, the Chairman of Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association, circulated widely on social media and in the newspapers made on February 3rd 2026. The statement in question is not merely mistaken; it is a deliberate, systematic, ethnically inflammatory, and legally unsustainable attempt to rewrite history, distort settled judicial decisions, erase documented Itsekiri presence in Sapele, and provoke communal tension under the guise of protecting Okpe “ownership.”
The Itsekiri Historical Front finds it necessary to respond at length to Senator Ede Dafinone’s publication because of its blatant misrepresentation of legal facts, historical truths, and statutory instruments.
1. The 1943 WACA Judgment Did Not Grant Ownership of All Sapele to Okpe
Senator Dafinone repeatedly claims that:
“Title to all lands in Sapele Community is vested in the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association”
and that the 1943 judgment in Chief Ayomanor & Another v. Ginuwa II, 9 WACA 85 “finally settled the dispute over ownership of Sapele lands” in favour of Okpe.
This is a blatant falsehood and a distortion of judicial fact.
The WACA 85 case concerned only approximately 510 acres of land in Sapele Township, not the entire town, not the entire Sapele Local Government Area, and certainly not all lands of the modern metropolis. The judgment itself explicitly addressed a specific parcel of land, and the appellate judges carefully clarified that the trial court’s wording was “wrong in form” and required correction to reflect the capacity of the plaintiffs in which they sued.
The West African Court of Appeal explicitly stated:
“The respondents … claimed a declaration of title to a piece of land at Sapele comprising approximately 510 acres or thereabouts formerly known as Sapele Township…”
The judgment was never a blanket declaration of ownership over the entirety of Sapele LGA, and Senator Dafinone’s attempt to present it as such is legally untenable, intellectually dishonest, and dangerously misleading.
To suggest that all Itsekiri communities within Sapele — including Obotie, Ugbekoko, Ajimele, Aja-Ojigwo, Ogun-Aja, and others, are subordinate or tenant to Okpe is an outright misinterpretation of the judgment. The WACA decision did not extinguish Itsekiri rights in these areas, and any claim to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to rewrite history to fit a political narrative.
2. The WACA Judges Did Not Erase Itsekiri Presence or Rights
Senator Dafinone and the Okpe Trust repeatedly quote the trial judge’s observation that the Itsekiri claims were “impudent” and lacked substance. While this is correct for the limited 510-acre parcel in question, the publication deliberately omits the narrow scope of the judgment and implies that all Itsekiri claims are invalid.
This is a misrepresentation of judicial reasoning. Res judicata applies only to the parties involved and the subject matter of the litigation. The trial and appellate court decisions did not, and legally could not, adjudicate the rights of Itsekiri communities outside that parcel.
By expanding a limited judgment to claim ownership of all lands in Sapele, Senator Dafinone engages in ethnic propaganda masquerading as law, which is unbecoming of a senator of the Federal Republic, whose constitutional role is to represent all constituents, not to inflame ethnic divisions.
3. The “Refugee Narrative” is Legally and Historically Baseless
The Okpe Trust, echoing Senator Dafinone, claims that Itsekiri only arrived in Sapele as refugees after the Nana War of 1894. This claim is untenable and contradicted by primary historical sources.
• In 1893, Captain H. L. Gallwey, British Vice-Consul, wrote:
“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.”
• Another European account of the late 1800s stated:
“West of the Niger Delta, the Itsekiri settlements included Ebrohemie, Warri and Sapele.”
• In 1897, a British officer recorded:
“I am arranging for carriers and water transport with the Jakri Chiefs of Warri, Benin, and Sapele…”
These primary, dated, written records predate and immediately follow the Nana War, demonstrating Itsekiri presence in Sapele before, during, and after 1894. Any attempt to cast the Itsekiri as “latecomers” or “refugees” is a deliberate falsification of history, intended to delegitimize the Itsekiri presence and amplify ethnic tension.
History does not bend to political rhetoric. The Itsekiri were in Sapele before the Nana War. Senator Dafinone, in his publication, chooses to ignore these incontrovertible records, thereby advancing a politically motivated, ethnically biased narrative.
4. Misreading of Delta State Traditional Rulers Law
Senator Dafinone and the Okpe Trust claim that the Delta State Traditional Rulers, Council and Chiefs Law makes the Orodje of Okpe the exclusive ruler of Sapele LGA. This is legally false.
The law is an administrative instrument, recognizing traditional rulers for the purposes of government liaison and cultural representation. It does not confer ownership of all land, erase historic settlements, or extinguish the rights of other ethnic groups.
The Okpe Trust’s claim that the law makes the Orodje the “only recognized traditional ruler” over the entirety of Sapele is a deliberate misreading. Delta State law has never granted exclusive ownership of all Sapele LGA lands to Okpe. To assert otherwise is ethnically provocative and legally untenable.
5. Senator Ede Dafinone’s Arrogance, Ethnic Bigotry, and Political Misconduct
Senator Dafinone, in his publication, displays ethnic bias and intellectual dishonesty. By presenting the limited WACA judgment as blanket ownership, dismissing documented Itsekiri presence, misrepresenting statutory law, and attacking the Alema of Warri Kingdom, he incites ethnic division rather than fostering cohesion.
It is evident that Senator Dafinone engages in ethnic partisanship rather than constructive leadership. A Federal Senator’s role is to promote development, equity, and peace, not to insert himself into every ethnic disputes to score political points. His track record shows no meaningful development for Delta Central outside ethnic provocations. The Senator weaponizes disagreements between urhobo’s and itsekiri’s to serve ethnic interests, undermining the very constituency he swore to serve.
Senator Dafinone seems to have completely forgotten that he is elected to represent all of Delta Central, not just the Urhobo, a district where Itsekiris inhabit six of the eight Local Government Areas. Yet, he shamelessly displays open hostility toward the Itsekiri at every turn, he actively erases and refuses to acknowledge their existence, refuses to recognize their communities, and never carried out development in their areas, weaponizing his office to marginalize them politically and socially to score cheap political points with his kinsmen. His conduct is not only divisive but a betrayal of the oath he swore to serve all constituents equally.
We explicitly state that Senator Dafinone is:
• Arrogant for throwing insults at the Alema of Warri Kingdom
• Uncivilized in provoking ethnic conflict
• Ethnically bigoted, prioritizing ethnic favors and interests over peaceful coexistence and fairness
• Legally dishonest, seeking to rewrite judicial decisions for personal or political gain
6. The So-Called “Sub-Palace” Is a Modern, Provocative Invention
Senator Dafinone and the Okpe Trust continue to make misleading claims about the “Sub-Palace” of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Sapele, portraying it as if it were a lawful entitlement over the entire town. In truth, the foundation-laying and construction were carried out strictly within the 510 acres legally recognized by the courts, precisely as advised by Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom. Any suggestion that the Orodje’s authority now extends beyond this legally adjudicated land is both historically and legally false.
Framing this construction as a broader assertion of traditional authority over all of Sapele is disingenuous. Senator Dafinone’s repeated insistence on presenting it as a sweeping ethnic entitlement is a deliberate attempt to erase the documented Itsekiri presence in the town and manipulate historical and legal facts for political gain.
The modern rhetoric used by Senator Dafinone and the Okpe Trust is not about restoring tradition; it is a calculated political and ethnic maneuver aimed at marginalizing Itsekiri communities, undermining their rights, and presenting a false narrative of exclusive Okpe ownership over Sapele. Such actions, especially from a sitting senator, are inflammatory, divisive, and completely at odds with both the rule of law and the long-standing history of interethnic harmony in the Delta Central Senatorial District.
7. Misrepresentation of Judicial Scope: Res Judicata Abuse
Senator Dafinone repeatedly invokes the 1943 judgment, claiming it establishes res judicata over all Itsekiri claims in Sapele. This is legally baseless and deliberately misleading.
Res judicata applies only to:
1. The same parties
2. The same cause of action
3. The same subject matter actually litigated
The WACA case involved specific plaintiffs (Ayomanor & Omarin) for the Okpe Clan and the Olu of Warri representing Itsekiri of Sapele). It concerned only the 510-acre parcel in Sapele Township.
By attempting to expand this narrow judgment to claim exclusive ownership over all Sapele lands, Senator Dafinone commits a gross legal misrepresentation. The Okpe Trust’s statement that Itsekiri rights are estopped across the entire LGA is null, void, and legally unsupportable.
8. Ignoring Legally Recognized Itsekiri Communities in Sapele
Senator Dafinone’s publication ignores or misrepresents legally recognized Itsekiri settlements:
• Obotie — confirmed Itsekiri land in 1925 and reaffirmed in 2008
• Ugbekoko, Ajimele, Aja-Ojigwo, Ogun-Aja, and other quarters
These areas are not part of the 510-acre parcel adjudicated to Okpe. By ignoring this, Senator Dafinone attempts to erase the Itsekiri historical and legal presence in Sapele.
The Obotie court case and the Delta State white paper have consistently recognized that Itsekiri families have lawful tenure in these communities. Any claim that the Okpe Trust, backed by Senator Dafinone, can assert ownership over these lands is a direct challenge to the rule of law.
9. The Alema of Warri Kingdom’s Caveat Emptor Was Lawful and Necessary
Senator Dafinone’s statement attacks the Alema of Warri Kingdom, calling him “arrogant” and accusing him of “instigating communal crisis.” These claims are false, reckless, and dangerously inflammatory.
Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, as Alema of Warri, has a duty to the Itsekiri nation to caution against actions likely to provoke ethnic conflict. The warning issued in his Caveat Emptor was a responsible and measured response, urging that the proposed Sub-Palace be located within the legally recognized 510-acre parcel.
The real provocation comes from Senator Dafinone and the Okpe Trust, who seek to build a palace beyond the limits of judicial recognition, simultaneously denying the documented presence of Itsekiri communities.
10. Senator Ede Dafinone: An Ethnic Bigot Under the Guise of Leadership
Senator Dafinone’s statement reveals his arrogance, intolerance, and ethnic partisanship. His publication:
• Misrepresents settled law and court decisions
• Denies the existence of Itsekiri communities legally and historically recognized
• Attempts to provoke ethnic tension rather than promote peace
• Ignores his duty as a federal legislator to represent all constituents
He consistently inserts himself into ethnic disputes, rather than fostering development or constructive dialogue. The Itsekiri Historical Front asserts that Senator Dafinone is unfit to use law, history, or tradition as a tool for ethnic exclusion.
It is not just an insult to the Alema of Warri Kingdom; it is an insult to all Itsekiri people, to governance, and to the principles of equity, justice, and coexistence enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
11. Peace is Sustained by Responsibility, Not Ethnic Arrogance
Senator Dafinone’s repeated use of inflammatory rhetoric, legal distortion, and ethnic exclusivity threatens the longstanding harmony between Okpe, Itsekiri, Urhobo, and other communities in Sapele.
The IHF warns that:
1. Any attempt to enforce exclusive Okpe authority across Sapele, beyond the 510-acre parcel, will be a breach of law and will be resisted by the itsekiri people
2. Attempts to silence the Alema of Warri Kingdom or other Itsekiri leaders in sapele issues are ethically and legally indefensible
3. Senator Dafinone’s publication incites communal tension, which could lead to violence if left unchecked
The call to all government agencies, security services, civil society, media, and community leaders is clear: Reject ethnic absolutism. Uphold documented legal rights. Preserve peace. Do not be manipulated by political opportunists.
12. The Sub-Palace Must Respect Law and Historical Rights
The IHF reiterates:
• The 1943 judgment applies only to the 510-acre parcel
• Itsekiri communities have lawful and historical rights in Sapele outside that parcel
• The proposed Sub-Palace is a modern imposition, not a restoration of historical authority
• Any attempt to ignore these facts, as advocated by Senator Dafinone, is a direct provocation and unlawful assertion of ethnic hegemony
13. Call for Accountability and Ethical Leadership
Senator Dafinone’s publication demonstrates:
• Legal ignorance or deliberate misrepresentation
• Ethnic partisanship and bigotry
• Dangerous provocation under the guise of defending Okpe rights
We call on him to:
1. Withdraw these false statements publicly
2. Acknowledge the legal and historical presence of Itsekiri communities in Sapele
3. Cease using his office to inflame ethnic tensions for political gain
4. Focus on development, inclusivity, and lawful leadership
The Itsekiri Historical Front asserts that ethnic pride must never justify falsifying law, misrepresenting history, or threatening peace. Senator Dafinone’s approach is the antithesis of responsible leadership.
14. Final Position of the Itsekiri Historical Front
1. The 1943 WACA judgment granted Okpe title over 510 acres, not all of Sapele
2. Itsekiri communities are legally and historically present in Sapele, with rights in Obotie, Ogun-Aja, Ugbekoko, Ajimele, Aja-Ojigwo, and other areas
3. The proposed Sub-Palace is not an ancient right but a modern attempt at ethnic dominance
4. The Delta State Traditional Rulers Law does not grant exclusive ownership of all Sapele lands to Okpe
5. The Caveat Emptor issued by the Alema of Warri Kingdom was a lawful warning against unlawful and provocative actions
6. Senator Ede Dafinone has repeatedly misrepresented law, history, and fact, inciting ethnic tension rather than promoting development
7. The IHF calls on all stakeholders to reject ethnic absolutism, uphold the rule of law, and pursue peaceful co-existence
Signed
For and on behalf of the Itsekiri Historical Front (IHF)
Comr. Lily-white O. Esigbone — Chairman
Mr. Oritsegbubemi Adrian Edema — Chairman, IHF United Kingdom
Silva Samuel Maku — Secretary
Comr. Oritseweyiologbara Kwame Woode — PRO
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