Leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Delta State’s Warri Federal Constituency have agreed to end ongoing protests and the occupation of oil facilities following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The decision was contained in a joint statement signed by prominent leaders of the two ethnic groups and endorsed by High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, and Chief Westham Adehor.
The statement disclosed that representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, where far-reaching resolutions were reached to restore peace and stability in the oil-rich constituency.
The leaders noted that protests by women, youths, and other stakeholders began on June 8, 2026, across parts of the Warri Federal Constituency, including strategic oil and gas facilities, following grievances arising from the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation exercise being implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the statement, the demonstrations heightened tensions across the constituency and prompted the intervention of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who convened an emergency meeting involving leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities at the Government House in Asaba.
The leaders also acknowledged the role played by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who met with stakeholders from the three ethnic nationalities at Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom on June 9 and appealed for calm while efforts were made to address the concerns raised.
The statement further revealed that President Tinubu subsequently convened an emergency peace meeting with representatives of the three ethnic groups, where he urged them to embrace unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
Drawing inspiration from the National Anthem, the President reportedly reminded the leaders that although “tongue and tribe may differ,” Nigerians must continue to stand together in brotherhood.
To ensure lasting peace, Tinubu directed leaders of the various ethnic groups to work out a power-sharing formula that would guarantee equitable representation and distribution of political positions across Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, which make up the Warri Federal Constituency.
The President also appealed to community leaders to prevail on protesters to immediately suspend their demonstrations.
Consequently, the Ijaw and Urhobo leaders announced the cessation of all protests and called on demonstrators to vacate occupied oil and gas facilities across the constituency and along the Escravos River.
They explained that the move was made in deference to the office of the President and to create an enabling atmosphere for stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues connected to the fresh constituency delineation exercise and its implementation by INEC.
The leaders expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Tompolo for their timely interventions, which they said helped avert further escalation of tensions and paved the way for dialogue and reconciliation among the affected communities.
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