Statement by Olorogun Victor Okumagba, Secretary Warri Urhobo National Congress Over Ethnic Ward Delineation In Warri.

In an interview on Tuesday, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, Secretary of the Warri Urhobo National Congress, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as exemplary work in the ongoing ward delineation exercise in Warri South constituency, Delta State.

Okumagba noted that the exercise was conducted professionally and fairly, contrary to claims of marginalization being voiced by members of the Itsekiri ethnic group. He acknowledged that the Itsekiri community expressed dissatisfaction, particularly over Warri South, which they view as the traditional seat of their monarch, the Olu of Warri.

However, Okumagba challenged this position, asserting that the Urhobo people are the indigenous owners of Warri. He claimed that the Itsekiri are not original inhabitants of the area but settlers, with established presence in only two communities—Ugbuwangue and Ubeji.

"No Itsekiri man can rightly claim Warri as their town,” Okumagba stated. “They have no ownership of any major community in Warri South. What they have are settlements. The Urhobo are the true owners of Warri.”

He further argued that among the three major ethnic groups in the region—the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw—the Itsekiri have the least historical claim to Warri South. According to him, this undermines their basis for objecting to the ward delineation outcome.

His comments underscore the deep-seated ethnic tensions in the area, as communities contest political representation, land ownership, and historical rights within the multi-ethnic Warri region.