Itsekiri Youth for Good Governance Responds to Charles Aniagwu’s Falsehood on Warri Ownership

Warri, Delta State – In a strongly worded statement, the Itsekiri Youth for Good Governance (IYGG) has responded to what it terms "misleading and false statements" made by Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Development, and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during his recent appearance on Arise TV. The group has described the Commissioner's remarks concerning the ownership of Warri as historically and legally inaccurate.
According to the IYGG, multiple Supreme Court rulings have long affirmed the overlordship of the Olu of Warri and the Itsekiri people over Warri and its environs. These rulings, the group states, include landmark cases such as Chief B.A.M.E. Awani & Ors v. Erejuwa II and D.O. Idundun & Ors v. Daniel Okumagba, among others.
“It is shocking that a government official of Mr. Aniagwu’s standing would peddle misinformation that contradicts legal precedent. These remarks are not only harmful but also capable of disrupting the fragile peace in our state,” said Mr. Sam Oki Metsh, Secretary of IYGG.

The youth group also accused the Delta State Government of ethnic bias and selective adherence to court judgments. They alleged that while the state acted on a judgment that granted a limited parcel of land to Urhobo families, it has deliberately ignored broader rulings affirming the Itsekiri’s communal land rights.
Furthermore, the IYGG decried the marginalization of Itsekiris in governance across Delta Central, noting their significant populations in Sapele, Uvwie, and Ethiope West local government areas. They described this as a deliberate exclusion by an Urhobo-dominated state leadership.

In conclusion, the group called on the Delta State Government to disown Commissioner Aniagwu’s statements, uphold the rule of law, and ensure fair representation for all ethnic groups. Failure to act, they warned, could result in rising tensions and instability in the region.

Below is the press release.

Clarifying the Ownership of Warri: A Response to Commissioner Charles Aniagwu’s Misrepresentations

We find it imperative to address the recent statements made by the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Rural Development, and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu. As an Itsekiri pressure group, we find it difficult to believe that a commissioner of the State Government would appear on Arise TV and tell such blatant lies and make misleading assertions regarding the ownership of Warri. His statements not only distort historical truth but also disregard established legal precedents affirming the Itsekiri people's rights to the land.

Historical and Legal Affirmation of Itsekiri Ownership
The ownership of Warri by the Itsekiri people is well-documented and has been consistently upheld by various courts, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Notably:

Chief B.A.M.E. Awani & Ors v. Erejuwa II, The Olu of Warri (1976): The Supreme Court recognized the overlordship of the Olu of Warri over lands in the New Ode-Itsekiri Layout at Ekurede Village, Warri Division. The court affirmed that this overlordship is exercised in accordance with Itsekiri customary law and is vested in the Itsekiri Communal Land Trustees.

D.O. Idundun & Ors v. Daniel Okumagba (1976): In this case, the court acknowledged that the land in question at Okere, Warri, belongs to the Ogitsi family of Okere, subject to the overlordship of the Olu of Warri. The judgment emphasized the validity of Itsekiri customary law in determining land ownership.

Chief Sam Warri Esi v. The Chief Secretary to the Federation of Nigeria & Ors (1973): The Supreme Court held that the Agbassa people, including those in Igbudu, are customary tenants under the overlordship of the Olu of Warri. The court stated that their tenure is subject to the incidents of customary tenancy, reaffirming the Olu's authority over the land.
These judgments, among others, firmly establish the Itsekiri people's legal rights to Warri and its environs, based on both historical occupancy and customary law.

Selective Recognition of Court Judgments
It is concerning that a Delta State Government appointee appears to selectively recognize court judgments. While the government has acted upon a limited court ruling involving two families in the Idundun v. Okumagba case—which awarded 281.1 acres of land on a possessory basis—it has consistently ignored broader judgments affirming Itsekiri ownership rights. This selective recognition undermines the rule of law and fosters ethnic bias.

Marginalization of the Itsekiri People
The Itsekiri people maintain a significant presence in Delta Central, with established communities in Sapele, Ethiope West, Uvwie, and other local government areas. Despite this, the Delta State Government—largely led by individuals of Urhobo descent—has persistently marginalized the Itsekiri people by denying them adequate representation and recognition in governance.

Call for Accountability
As a public servant, Commissioner Aniagwu is expected to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality. His repeated dissemination of false information not only discredits his office but also threatens the peace and unity of Delta State. The very same divisive rhetoric contributed to the defeat of his former principal in the 2023 general election in Delta State.
We urge the Delta State Government to:
Publicly disassociate itself from Commissioner Aniagwu's statements.
Recognize and uphold all court judgments affirming the Itsekiri people's rights.
Ensure equitable representation and treatment of all ethnic groups within the state.
Failure to address these concerns may escalate tensions and cause further unrest in Delta State. We call upon all stakeholders to prioritize justice, equity, and the rule of law in the interest of lasting peace and development.

Signed:
Mr. Sam Oki Metsh
Secretary, IYGG