ITSEKIRI USHEORITSE

A Path to Peace: The Case for Warri State in the Niger Delta Region For over 400 years, Warri existed as a sovereign state, ruled by the Olu's of Warri, with a rich history of being a powerful naval force and a great trading nation. We formed alliances with prominent countries such as Portugal, Spain, France, São Tomé, Angola, Brazil, and the Netherlands, engaging in trade and diplomacy as an independent state. However, after being incorporated into Nigeria, our people were marginalized, oppressed, and forgotten. The creation of Warri State is a solution to the historical injustices faced by the Itsekiri people in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. We appreciate the House of Representatives for recognizing Warri as one of the states to be newly created, acknowledging the need to address the constant attacks, violence, and destruction suffered by the Itsekiri people in a crowded and often contentious Delta State. Warri, comprising Warri South, Warri Southwest, and Warri North, has always been the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, as evident in ancient maps dating back to 1587. Just as Bayelsa State was created with three local governments, Warri State will be established with three local governments, with the potential for more to be created in the future. With its vast potential, Warri State is not only feasible but also essential. In fact, the combined area of the three Warri local governments is larger than Lagos State, making it an ideal candidate for statehood. We must continue to advocate for the actualization of Warri State, and I extend my gratitude to everyone who has lent their voice to this cause, including our larger Yoruba family. Let us press on until Warri State becomes a reality. By Lord_of_Warri on 𝕏 (Twitter).