We’ll Not Cede Any Inch Of Our Land In Warri Township -Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom Warns

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom has declared it will not relinquish any portion of its land in Warri Township to any ethnic group, stating that its identity, history, and ancestral claims were non-negotiable.

Speaking on behalf of the kingdom, Pastor Akemotubo Ambrose Arex said, “Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom will not cede an inch of our land in Warri Township to any ethnic group. We are standing strong. No shaking.”

The statement comes in response to recent public reactions and discussions surrounding the ongoing ward delineation process in the area. According to the kingdom, the development has prompted the need to clarify its position on land, identity, and historical claims.

The Ogbe-Ijoh people, the statement said, will not accept any attempt to question, suppress, or erase their identity and place within their ancestral homeland.

“Our existence and heritage are not matters to be negotiated through public declarations or political pressure,” the statement read.

The kingdom stressed that the issue extends beyond administrative documentation, framing it as one of recognition, history, identity, and respect for established realities on the ground.

While maintaining a firm stance, the Ogbe-Ijoh leadership acknowledged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for carrying out its constitutional responsibility in the delineation exercise.

“We acknowledge INEC for carrying out its constitutional responsibility and taking steps it considers consistent with due process and lawful obligations,” the statement noted.

It added that institutions must be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation or undue interference.

The kingdom said it remains unwavering in protecting what it considers its ancestral heritage and lawful interests.

“Let it be clearly understood, Ogbe-Ijoh people remain firm and unwavering in protecting what we believe to be our ancestral heritage and lawful interests,” the statement said. “We reject every attempt to diminish our place or cede what belongs to our people.”

“Our position is clear, our resolve is clear, and our identity remains non-negotiable,” it concluded.

The statement further read, “The recent reactions surrounding the ward delineation process and make our position clear.

“Ogbe-Ijoh people will not accept attempts to question, suppress, or erase our identity, history, and place within our ancestral homeland. Our existence and heritage are not matters to be negotiated through public declarations or political pressure.

“We acknowledge INEC for carrying out its constitutional responsibility and taking steps it considers consistent with due process and lawful obligations. Institutions must be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation.

“For us, this is bigger than names on paper. It is about recognition, history, identity, and respect for established realities.

“Let it be clearly understood, Ogbe-Ijoh people remain firm and unwavering in protecting what we believe to be our ancestral heritage and lawful interests. We reject every attempt to diminish our place or cede what belongs to our people.

Our position is clear, our resolve is clear, and our identity remains non-negotiable”, it added.