Hundreds of Itsekiri youths took to the streets of Warri over the weekend in a peaceful demonstration, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revisit what they described as an unjust ward redelineation exercise that allegedly marginalized their ethnic group.
The peace walk, which began along the NPA axis and stretched through Warri-Sapele Road to Ogunu, culminated at Ekurede community. Protesters carried placards and banners as they marched, calling for transparency and equity in electoral boundary delineation.
In a statement issued at the end of the event, tagged “Redirecting the Misinformation of Land Ownership in Warri as It Relates to INEC’s Ward Redelineation”, the youths accused INEC of shortchanging the Itsekiri people. They alleged that the commission’s recent redelineation process ignored their historical presence and legitimate land claims, resulting in the loss of several wards.
Speaking during the walk, Ojumude Tosan Bishop, Esigbone Omasanjuwa Lily-White, and Yemi Otuedon urged INEC to take immediate corrective steps. They insisted that Warri is historically tied to the Itsekiri people and dismissed what they termed “lies and falsehoods” being spread about land ownership in the region.
The trio also debunked rumors suggesting that the Itsekiri nation was amassing weapons in preparation for conflict. “This is a peaceful movement. We are not preparing for war; we are demanding justice,” said Lily-White.
Other participants emphasized that the walk was not just about land or ethnic pride but about fairness, justice, and adherence to due process. They accused INEC of failing to follow its own guidelines during the redelineation exercise, which they claim disproportionately affected their representation.
The protest remained peaceful throughout, with participants calling on both state and federal authorities to intervene in what they described as a growing injustice that could lead to unrest if left unresolved.
