By Egbemavoice,
The Egbema Focus Group has expressed deep satisfaction with the outcome of the recent Warri electoral ward delineation exercise, praising the courageous efforts of Ijaw and Urhobo leaders who championed the call for justice and equity. The group also urged all ethnic nationalities in the Warri axis to remain calm and united as the region moves forward in peace and development.
The fresh delineation exercise, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was ordered by the Supreme Court after decades of agitation by the Ijaw and Urhobo communities. These ethnic groups have long decried the systemic underrepresentation they faced in local governance structures despite being indigenous stakeholders in the Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta South Senatorial District.
According to Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami, the National Coordinator of the Egbema Focus Group, the injustice against the Egbema people, an Ijaw subgroup in Warri North, has persisted for over 35 years. He emphasized that the former ward distribution significantly disadvantaged the Egbema people politically and economically.
"For over three decades, the Egbema people lived under an unfair political structure where they had only four wards, compared to the Itsekiri's six wards in Warri North. As a result, Egbema communities were completely excluded from crucial political positions," Sayami stated.
He lamented that despite their population and contribution to the local economy, the Egbema people have never produced one single council chairman, Hon. Capt Smart Asekutu the immediate past chairman, they have nor representation in the Delta State House of Assembly or the state executive council in the form of a commissioner slot. This lack of political access, he noted, has stifled development and bred frustration among the people.
However, the new delineation exercise has altered the political landscape of the Warri region. The INEC report, which was presented to all three ethnic groups—Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo—has created a more balanced ward distribution. The Ijaw now have 27 wards, Itsekiri 21, and Urhobo 9 across the three Warri LGAs. Specifically, in Warri North, the Egbema people now have 10 wards while the Itsekiri have 8.
“This is a historic achievement for the Egbema Kingdom. It is a victory for justice, equity, and peaceful advocacy,” Sayami said.
He highlighted the plight of communities like Asigborodor, which, despite being one of the largest areas in the former four Egbema wards, did not have a single federal ward of its own. Instead, it was merged with Ogbinbiri and treated as a state ward, limiting its voice and development access. With the new delineation, Asigborodor, along with Awamba and Itagben, now form the newly recognized Egbema III Ward—finally bringing long-awaited federal recognition to the area.
Sayami described the suffering of communities such as Ajakurama communities of Egbema kingdom as “unbearable,” explaining that for 38 years, the people endured systemic neglect, underdevelopment, and marginalization, despite their loyalty and peaceful nature. He stressed that the new delineation has brought a sense of inclusion and hope to these communities, signaling a new era of opportunity and fairness.
He called on all stakeholders, especially political actors and community leaders, to accept the outcome in good faith and work collaboratively for the peace and development of the region. He emphasized that the success of the delineation exercise was not a victory for one ethnic group over another but a step forward for all the people of Warri.
In his closing remarks, Comrade Sayami extended profound gratitude to the key figures whose leadership, advocacy, and support made the delineation possible. He commended:
GOC High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpomupolo (Tompolo), for his steadfast support for Ijaw rights and regional equity.
Engr. Mathews Tonlagha, for providing strategic guidance throughout the process.
Barr. George Timinimi, Barr. Eric Omare, Barr. Kuramah, and Barr. Francis Abulu, for their legal expertise and unyielding commitment to justice.
High Chief Kestin Pondi and Amb. Joel Bisina, Ogeja King Lucky Kenrenkrenwei for their unwavering advocacy on behalf of the Ijaw people.
The Ajakurama Chiefs and National President, Hon. Inos Mumbor, Pastor Tikilikiwei, High chief David Reje for their persistence in the fight against marginalization and for their political courage and representation. And many others whose names may not be mentioned but whose contributions were invaluable.
"This is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter for the Egbema people and indeed the entire Warri region," Sayami declared. "We must use this victory to build bridges, not walls. Let us embrace unity, pursue development, and ensure that no community is left behind again."
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