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The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) rejects claims by Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, affirming Ogbe-Ijoh Market belongs to the Ogbe-Ijoh people.
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Historical records from 1923–1929 confirm Ogbe-Ijoh as the original settlement and rightful landowners.
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IYC urges Warri South Chairman and Delta State Government to prevent market renaming or identity alteration, warning of potential unrest.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has issued a stern warning against attempts to alter or rename Ogbe-Ijoh Market in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The council described recent claims by the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths as inaccurate and misleading, noting that such assertions risk creating tension in the city.
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In a statement by IYC signed by Chairman Comr. Nicholas Tamara-Denyefa Igarama, Secretary Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo, Esq., and Information Officer Comr. Tare Magbei.
The council affirmed that Ogbe-Ijoh Market has always belonged to the Ogbe-Ijoh people, the original inhabitants of the land, and that there has never been a “Dore Market” in the area.
“For the record, there has never been any market known as ‘Dore Market’ in Warri or anywhere in Delta State. The market in question has always been known as Ogbe-Ijoh Market,” the statement reads partly.
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The council cited historical records, including the 1928 Warri Township Assessment Report and a 1929 Prethero report, confirming Ogbe-Ijoh as the original settlement and rightful owners of the land.
Correspondence from 1923 by Chief Dore Numa also affirmed that lands were leased from the Ogbe-Ijoh people, not acquired by native title.
Warning against any attempt to rename or alter the market’s identity, the IYC stressed: “The preservation of historical truth and community heritage remains a matter of importance… Any move to rename, remove, or alter the Ogbe-Ijoh Market or its identity will be resisted by the Ijaw people.”
The council urged government authorities to intervene and prevent escalation, reiterating its commitment to peaceful coexistence while defending the heritage and identity of the Ogbe-Ijoh community.
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