Olu of Warri Declares New Era for Itsekiri Oil Communities, Demands Justice, Development
Olu of Warri Declares New Era for Itsekiri Oil Communities, Demands Justice, Development
Olu of Warri Declares New Era for Itsekiri Oil Communities, Demands Justice, Development
Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, the Sole Representative of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, has delivered a powerful address calling for an end to decades of neglect in oil-producing Itsekiri communities, declaring that the era of silence, compromise, and injustice is over.
Speaking in Jakpa after touring several riverine communities, the monarch said the stark contrast between vast oil wealth and the poor living conditions of the Itsekiri people can no longer be ignored. He described the situation as morally unacceptable, noting that despite more than 60 years of oil production, communities in Itsekiriland remain impoverished, underdeveloped, and frustrated.
“For sixty years, hundreds of billions of dollars have flowed from these swamps, with almost nothing to show for it,” the Olu of Warri said. “That chapter is closed.”
Internal Accountability and Unity
In a rare and direct tone, the monarch first addressed his own people, condemning internal betrayal, greed, and the role of self-appointed intermediaries who, he said, traded the collective future of the Itsekiri people for personal gain. He warned that no external force can truly undermine a people unless there is internal compromise.
Calling for repentance, unity, transparency, and accountability, the Olu stressed that the continued tolerance of such practices has only deepened poverty and exploitation in the land.
Message to Oil Companies
Addressing oil companies operating in Itsekiriland, particularly Chevron, the Olu acknowledged their decision to remain onshore and expressed openness to genuine partnership. However, he warned against mistaking the peaceful disposition of the Itsekiri people for weakness.
“Peace without justice is not sustainable,” he said, cautioning that prolonged neglect risks turning patience into desperation. He insisted that oil companies must prioritize dialogue, fairness, and tangible development rather than reacting only to threats or unrest.
The monarch made it clear that Chevron, Renaissance, Seplat, Heritage, Conoil, and other operators would not be allowed to repeat what he described as the failures of the past.
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Call to Government and the Nation
The Olu of Warri also appealed to the Federal and Delta State governments, referencing the national anthem’s call for a nation where no one is oppressed. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his openness and Delta State Governor Elder Sheriff Oborevwori for ongoing road projects, while urging greater and more consistent investment in riverine communities.
He emphasized that as Nigeria considers restarting oil production in Ogoniland, a new moral foundation must first be established in existing oil-producing areas like Itsekiriland.
Clear Development Priorities
Outlining specific demands, the monarch listed the priorities for Itsekiri communities as:
Electricity and digital connectivity
Portable water
Healthcare
Education
Accessibility and infrastructure
Gainful employment for locals
Environmental protection and economic opportunities
He stressed that employment must be meaningful and not symbolic, insisting that locals should not be sidelined in favour of external interests.
A Firm Stand by the Palace
Citing Ogidigben as an example, the Olu recalled how a power project promised in 1990 only materialised decades later after direct palace intervention. He declared that the Warri Palace will no longer observe from the sidelines.
“The palace is standing up for her people,” he said. “This is not about contracts for a few. It is about dignity for all.”
The speech concluded with a declaration of a new beginning for host and impacted communities in Itsekiriland — one founded on justice, equity, peace, and irreversible change.
“Let it be peaceful. Let it be equitable. Let it be firm. Let it be irreversible,” the monarch declared.
He ended with prayers for the Warri Kingdom, Delta State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Olu of Warri Declares New Era for Itsekiri Oil Communities, Demands Justice, Development
