From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Itsekiri people of Warri Kingdom in Delta State have voiced strong opposition to the proposed creation of Toru-Ebe State by the Ijaw ethnic group, instead calling for the establishment of a Warri State with its capital in Warri township.
The demand was made during the South-South Zonal Public Hearing on the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution, organized by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Leading the Itsekiri delegation was Chief Edward Ekpoko, the Tolureju of Warri Kingdom and Chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT). In a well-articulated memorandum jointly signed by Ekpoko, Sir Amorighoye Mene (Secretary), and Mr. Clement Omotoye, the Itsekiri leaders emphasized their primary concern as the need for constitutional safeguards to protect minority ethnic groups like theirs, even more than the agitation for state creation.
Opposition to Toru-Ebe State
The Itsekiri delegation joined forces with the Ilaje ethnic group of Ondo State and the Binis of Edo State in objecting to the proposed Toru-Ebe State by the Ijaw. Their opposition is based on historical claims and territorial disputes, with the groups asserting that the Ijaws are “tenants” on lands being proposed as part of the new state.
They warned that the creation of Toru-Ebe State, without resolving such underlying ownership and boundary issues, would further exacerbate ethnic tensions in the region.
According to the memorandum, the proposed Toru-Ebe State comprises areas that are historically and traditionally owned by other ethnic groups, particularly the Itsekiris, Ilajes, and Binis, hence any such move without broad consensus would be unjust and provocative.
Warri State Demand and Constitutional Reform
Rather than Toru-Ebe, the Itsekiri are advocating for the creation of a Warri State that reflects their historical and cultural identity. They argue that Warri, with its cosmopolitan nature and economic significance — especially as a major oil and gas hub — is more deserving of statehood.
Chief Ekpoko, presenting the memorandum, lamented the glaring under-representation of the Itsekiris in Nigeria’s political structure despite the enormous economic contributions of the group.
“The Itsekiri produce over 33% of the oil and gas that sustain the Nigerian nation, yet we have no representation in the Senate among its 109 members. We are also limited to one seat in the 360-member Federal House of Representatives. In the Delta State House of Assembly, we hold just two out of 29 seats,” he noted.
The Itsekiri leaders insisted that the demand for new states in Nigeria is driven less by any developmental considerations and more by ethnic self-determination. They called for an honest conversation about restructuring that takes into account the multi-ethnic composition of Nigeria and the marginalization of minority groups.
Call for Minority Protection Clause
The ILoT also called for the reintroduction of a constitutional clause to protect ethnic minorities, similar to what existed under the now-defunct Midwestern Nigeria Constitution. They noted that such protections would help ensure political inclusion, equitable development, and cultural preservation for smaller ethnic groups like the Itsekiri.
“What is needed most in this constitutional amendment exercise is the protection of minorities. We are demanding the insertion of a minority protection clause to ensure our survival, rights, and dignity as a people,” the group stated.
Omotoye added:
“The real motivation for most state creation demands is ethnic self-determination, not federal equity. We believe the constitution should recognize contiguous ethnic/linguistic minorities as federating units if provisions are made to safeguard their rights.”
Ethnic Affinity Should Guide State Formation
ILoT further urged the Senate Committee to prioritize ethnic and linguistic affinity in the formation of federating units rather than relying on the existing “artificially created” states, zones, or regions. The current structure, they argued, does not reflect the realities of Nigeria’s ethnic configuration and has led to the marginalization of many minority groups.
They emphasized that only by acknowledging and institutionalizing ethnic realities in Nigeria’s constitution can the country achieve genuine unity, peace, and progress.
The Itsekiri leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria but warned that continued neglect of minority rights could undermine national cohesion. They appealed to the Senate Committee to give serious consideration to their demands, particularly the creation of Warri State and the constitutional protection of minorities.
The South-South Zonal Public Hearing continues as ethnic nationalities across the region make their cases for inclusion in the ongoing constitutional reform process.
