The President of the Itsekiri National Association in Canada (INAC), Fiogho Tonwe, has raised concerns over an alleged plan by some individuals in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State to disrupt the planned royal visit of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to Itsekiri communities.
In a joint statement also signed by INAC Secretary Owen Fregene and other association leaders, Tonwe warned that any attempt to block the monarch’s visit could trigger avoidable inter-communal tension.
He urged the Delta State Government and security agencies to act quickly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The association stressed that the Olu of Warri’s visit to Itsekiri settlements in Uvwie, including Ugbolokposo, is part of his traditional responsibility to his subjects and should not be politicised.
It described the visit as a legitimate exercise of his role as custodian of the Itsekiri people.
INAC alleged that some individuals were mobilising opposition to the visit for political gain, warning that such actions could inflame ethnic sensitivities in the region.
It also noted that many residents in Uvwie reportedly do not support any protest against the monarch’s visit.
The association expressed concern over what it described as silence from the Delta State Government and some Urhobo leadership, arguing that failure to speak out could embolden those allegedly seeking to cause unrest.
INAC President Tonwe called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to publicly affirm the rights of Itsekiri communities to receive their traditional ruler and to promote peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups.
The group also urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to provide adequate security for the monarch and his entourage, while calling for accountability for anyone inciting violence.
