NO KING RULES OVER ANOTHER IN WARRI” — IJAW STAKEHOLDERS WARN AYIRI EMAMI

 PRESS STATEMENT

Issued in Warri, Delta State — October 21, 2025

The attention of the Warri Ijaws Stakeholders has been drawn to the reckless, arrogant, and provocative statement made by Chief Ayiri Emami, claiming that “all traditional rulers in Warri Federal Constituency are chiefs under the Olu of Itsekiri.”

This statement is false, provocative, and deeply insulting to other respected traditional rulers and kingdoms across the Warri Federal Constituency. It is a deliberate distortion of historical truth and an affront to the dignity and independence of other ancient kingdoms that have existed long before the creation of modern political boundaries.

Let it be clearly stated that the Ijaw kingdoms of Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Egbema, and Diebiri, among others, are autonomous and sovereign traditional institutions, each with their own kings and governing councils. These kingdoms are not, and have never been, under the authority of any Olu or any other traditional ruler. The Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo nations have coexisted for centuries, bound by mutual respect and peaceful understanding — a balance that must not be destroyed by careless individuals chasing personal relevance.

It should be recalled that the present Olu of Itsekiri has already de-robed Ayiri Emami of the Ologbotsere title and lawfully conferred it on another person. Since then, Ayiri has been desperately seeking to regain favour with the Olu, and it is clear that his latest outburst is part of that desperate effort to please the throne by all means possible. However, he must not do so by insulting or belittling other revered traditional institutions across the Warri Federal Constituency.

Chief Ayiri Emami’s utterances are reckless, divisive, and capable of igniting ethnic unrest if not immediately checked. His arrogance reflects a complete disregard for the peace, unity, and cultural balance that have sustained the Warri region for decades.

We therefore call on the Federal Government, the Delta State Government, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently call Ayiri Emami to order before his inflammatory statements plunge Warri into avoidable crisis.

The Warri Ijaws Stakeholders will never sit idly by while anyone — no matter how influential — attempts to undermine or insult our kings. Our traditional institutions are sacred, our heritage is proud, and our respect is mutual — not dictated.

Let it be known to all: no traditional ruler in Warri Federal Constituency is under any other king. The Ijaws, Itsekiris, and Urhobos are equals before God and before history. Peace is built on truth, not false superiority.

Enough is enough — the peace of Warri must never be toyed with.

Signed:
Tariwei Goodman Ebi
Chairman, Warri Ijaws Stakeholders

Ebiwie Godfrey
Secretary, Warri Ijaws Stakeholders.

CC:

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

The Governor, Delta State

The Inspector-General of Police

The Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)

The Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs

The Member, House of Representatives, Warri Federal Constituency

The Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State

The Media (Print and Electronic)