-
IYC protest removal of Pere’s banners in Warri
-
Council fingers Olu of Itsekiri, Warri South chairman
-
Group demands apology, warns of stiff resistance to provocation
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone has accused the Warri Area Command of the Nigeria Police of colluding with Itsekiri youths to threaten peace and provoke ethnic tension in Delta State.
The allegation followed the removal of banners bearing the image of HRM King Couple Oromoni, the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, by suspected Itsekiri youths in the company of police officers. The incident triggered protests as Ijaw youths stormed the Area Command demanding that the banners be retrieved and replaced.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
In a statement signed by Comrade Nicholas Tamaradenyefa Igarama (Chairman), Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo, Esq. (Secretary), and Comrade Tare Magbei (Information Officer), the IYC Western Zone described the act as a deliberate plot to provoke conflict.
The Council accused the Olu of Itsekiri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Warri South Council Chairman, Mr Agbateyiniro Isaac Weyinmi, of masterminding the incident, branding it a calculated attempt to undermine the fragile peace in Warri.
According to the statement:“The attention of the Ijaw Youth Council has been drawn to an incident of police officers attached to the Warri Area Command conniving with the Itsekiri ethnic nationality to remove banners bearing the image of HRM Couple Oromoni, the revered king of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom.
READ ALSO: IYC Sues For Urgent Enactment of Petroleum Industry Bill
This condemnable act is masterminded by one Wayemi Agas, the Warri South Council Chairman, who perpetrated the act on the orders of the Olu of Itsekiri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
As peace-loving and law-abiding citizens, we view this action as a direct provocation and a calculated attempt to ignite ethnic tension in Warri.”
The group called on the Delta State Government, security agencies, and stakeholders to intervene immediately to avert an escalation of hostilities.
The IYC insisted that while the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom remains committed to peace, further attempts to insult or undermine the authority of its traditional ruler will be met with “stiff resistance.” It demanded a public apology and assurances from the police that such “partiality and connivance” would not be repeated.
