Okere Urhobo Community Insists On Rule Of Law – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Okiemute Okpomor

The people of Okere Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have insisted on the application and upholding the rule of law to amicably resolve further incursions into their land by neighbouring Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom.

Addressing journalists in Warri, the people under the auspices of Indigenous People of Okere (IPO) called on Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State to halt what they described as illegal incursions of the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh and some of his subjects, into Okere land in Warri South, saying anything less than upholding the rule of law “is complicity in the erosion of justice and peace.”

Speaking on behalf of the people, Hon. David E. Oki, Imagemaker of Okere Community and member, Okere Elders’ Council at the premises of Okere Community Hall in Warri called on Governor Oborevwori and all relevant authorities to act with courage, integrity and impartiality.

According to them, incursion of the Ijaws of Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West Local Government Area, “into the territories of Warri South Local Government Area, particularly Okere Community is a brazen development that threatens peaceful coexistence, the safety of lives and property, and the territorial integrity of the Itsekiri people.”

They stated: “the facts are clear and undisputed. For nearly a century, judicial pronouncements, have affirmed that the Ijaws have no land ownership rights in Warri Urban or Warri South Local Government Area.

The people insisted that judicial proceedings/rulings to Supreme Court have bestowed upon them the ownership of the lands

According to the people of Okere Community, “we have seen criminal occupations and cultural incursions into areas such as Miller Waterside, Main Market, and Mciver Market, where some Ijaws attempt to lay false claims. These actions are deliberate attempts to extend Ijaw influence illegally into Warri South.

“Not an inch of our ancestral land will be surrendered. We are resolute in defending our heritage and territorial integrity.”

Also speaking, Comr. Amaechi Ogbitse Ogbonna, Member, Okere Community Elders’ Council asserted that, “Ogbe-Ijoh does not exist in Warri South, but in Warri South-West.

“Delta State Government is not encouraging peace. I said so, because they (the occupants of Miller Waterside) were settled, for them to go back to where they came from. That was why Delta State Government bought Chief Mabiaku’s Estate and took over the entire area, including the Central Hospital, Custom House, Old Post Office, Marine Police area and Miller Brothers’ Road, where they are erroneously calling Tunde Smooth Road.

“The entire area called Old and New Port of NPA, G.R.A, Post Office and Catholic Church, belongs to Okere Community.”