SIMILARITIES AND COMMON CHARACTERS OF THE OBA OF BINI SPEAKING PEOPLE AND THE OLU OF IWERE/OLU ITSEKIRI OF ITSEKIRI SPEAKING PEOPLE. 1. Shared ancestry and origin: The first Olu Itsekiri, Olu Ginuwa I ( who actually was a self enthroned king ) was the eldest son of Oba Olua of Bini.who according to history was banished from home for committing adultery with his fathers wives and founded the Jekiri/ Iwere/Itsekiri/ Kingdom, a name which was given to them by the Ijaw speaking people which has metamorphosed from SEIKIRI into what is pronounced as AS ITSEKIRI today. The Olu’s ruling house is therefore described as the Oranmiyan ruling house, the same dynastic line as Bini.Traditional accounts of the Jekiri people also say “The Olu itsekiri is a direct descendant of the Oba of Bini 2. Divine / centralized kingship model: The throne of the Iwere people is copied from the Bini template, the Oba is considered the divine ruler of the bini speaking people while the Olu is treated as ...

SHARP REBUTTAL: Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that choosing him as vice president was his biggest regret. In a statement by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he stood by Obasanjo during his imprisonment, supported his family and helped him rebuild his life after his release. “While Chief Obasanjo was in prison, I stood firmly by him. When he regained his freedom, he had little to his name. I received him, clothed him and ensured he was properly cared for,” Atiku said. He argued that Obasanjo’s criticism stems from his opposition to the former president’s alleged third-term agenda, insisting he has no regrets. “I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I have no apology for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition,” he stated. Atiku said defending the Constitution was more important than personal loyalty and described any resentment over that e...

PRESS RELEASE Ribadu Reassures Of FG's Commitment To Protection Of Lives, Property  ...As Centre Destroys 2,819 Illicit Small Arms In Abuja  By EgbemaVoice, The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said the Federal Government and security agencies remain resolutely committed to its constitutional responsibility to secure lives and property in all parts of the country. Ribadu spoke at the public destruction of illicitly acquired, decommissioned and unserviceable small arms and light weapons by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons at the General Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja, on Thursday. At the event, approximately 2,819 illicit decommissioned and unserviceable small arms and light weapons were destroyed, bringing the cumulative total to 19,000 destroyed since the Centre’s inception. Ribadu, represented by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, n...

Gunmen k!ll Army colonel for resisting abduction attempt, shoot wife and two others in Nasarawa By EgbemaVoice, A serving Nigerian military intelligence officer Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been shot d3ad after reportedly resisting armed men who attempted to abduct him at his residence in Badna, New Karu local govt area of Nasarawa state. The senior officer, who hailed from Enugu State and was said to be due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year, was attacked shortly after arriving at his residence on Monday evening, July 27, 2026. Security sources told PRNigeria that the assailants ambushed the officer as he alighted from his vehicle and opened fire in an apparent attempt to abduct him. Rather than surrender, Colonel Ude reportedly fought back despite being heavily outnumbered, frustrating the kidnappers’ attempt to take him away. According to the sources, the gunmen subsequently shot him multiple times at close range, k!lling him on the spot. During t...

  • As Appeals to Tompolo, Matthew Tonlagha, Kestin Pondi, Jude Ukori, Alhaji Omoko, Lawuru Others to prevail on Gov Oborevwori for Clemency By Joseph Bienbo, Warri An Ijaw man from Egbema Kingdom, Mr. Newman Osia, now known as Pastor Newman Osia, has claimed that he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death over offences he alleges were committed by a relative who closely resembles him. He, however, appealed to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, Engr Matthew Tonlagha, Engr Kestin Pondi, Amb. Jude Ukori, Alhaji Emmmanuel Omoko, Chief Promise Lawuru, INC president, Chief Barr McDonald IGBADIWEI and Others to prevail on the excecutive governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori to grant him Clemency. Pastor Osia, an indigene of Ajakurama Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, is currently being held at the Warri Correctional Centre, where he has remained in custody for the past 25 years following his conviction by a court. ...

By EgbemaVoice, Mr. Tempo Mudi, identified as the Protocol Officer to the Delta State Governor, was allegedly attacked and seriously injured during an APC stakeholders' meeting in Delta State. According to reports and videos circulating on social media, Mr. Mudi was assaulted by some youths at the meeting. The footage appears to show a violent confrontation, with individuals allegedly smashing bottles during the attack, leaving the protocol officer with visible injuries. The circumstances that led to the incident remain unclear, and there has been no official statement from the Delta State Government, the Delta State Police Command, or the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time of this report. EgbemaVoice News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.

PBAT 2027: Captain Dan Ekpa Applauds Tompolo's Door-to-Door Campaign for President Tinubu's Re-election By EgbemaVoice News Niger Delta Advocate, Captain Dan Ekpa, has commended High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), popularly known as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Niger Delta and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, for spearheading a grassroots door-to-door mobilization campaign in support of the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking in a statement made available to EgbemaVoice News, Captain Dan Ekpa described Tompolo's initiative as a bold demonstration of patriotism, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. According to him, Tompolo has consistently remained a dependable leader whose influence has contributed significantly to peace, stability, ...

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, MARRIAGE THANKSGIVING SERVICE OF AMB. JUDE UKORI, JP HELD IN GRAND STYLE By EgbemaVoice,  It was a memorable occasion filled with joy, gratitude, and celebration as family members, friends, associates, community leaders, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the birthday and marriage thanksgiving service of Amb. Jude Ukori, JP. The event commenced with a special thanksgiving service, during which prayers of appreciation were offered to God for His faithfulness, protection, and abundant blessings upon Amb. Jude Ukori, JP, his spouse, and their family. The congregation also prayed for continued good health, divine wisdom, a peaceful and successful marriage, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead. The colourful celebration attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, associates, and well-wishers from different walks of life, who joined the celebrant in marking the dual occasion. Guests described Amb. Jude Ukori, JP, as a humble, dedicate...

By EgbemaVoice, Niger Delta born renowned environmental rights activist and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on governors of the Niger Delta states to take pragmatic measures to mitigate the impact of the impending flooding forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), warning that failure to act proactively could result in devastating humanitarian and environmental consequences. Mulade, in a statement on Monday, expressed concern over what he described as the persistent neglect of citizens' welfare by political leaders, lamenting that many public office holders appear to prioritise personal ambitions and parochial political interests above their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property. Mulade, who is the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), noted that the recurring flood disasters across the Niger Delta have continued to inflict severe hardship on residents, st...

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO DR. DOUBRA COLLINS OKOTETE ON HIS EMERGENCE AS THE 10TH PRESIDENT OF THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL WORLDWIDE The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) heartily congratulates Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete on his emergence as the 10th President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide. Your election is a clear demonstration of the confidence reposed in your leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Ijaw nation. We are confident that your wealth of experience, passion for youth development and dedication to service will usher in a new era of purposeful leadership for the Council. As the foremost body of Ijaw media owners and publishers, the Ijaw Publishers Forum recognises the strategic role of the IYC in promoting peace, unity, sustainable development and the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people.  We therefore look forward to working closely with your administration in amplifying initiatives that promote good governance, youth empo...

Niger Delta Coalition Alleges ₦3.16bn PAP 'Ghost-Name' Fraud, Backs Otuaro's Reforms, Demands Security Crackdown, By EgbemaVoice News A coalition of Niger Delta peace advocates and development stakeholders has issued a strongly worded communiqué expressing support for the ongoing reforms in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under its Administrator, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, while making a series of allegations against some individuals over the administration of the programme. Addressing journalists at the Arogbo Civil Centre in Arogbo, Ondo State, the coalition described recent protests over stipend payments as attempts to undermine peace and the reform agenda of the PAP. It maintained that the monthly ₦65,000 stipend was designed as a temporary reintegration allowance rather than a permanent entitlement, and rejected calls for any upward review. The coalition commended Dr. Otuaro for prioritizing education and human capital develop...

This is B.S.L.N. 148 of 1979 — an Extraordinary Gazette of the old Bendel State Government. TITLE: TRADITIONAL RULERS AND CHIEFS EDICT, 1979 Subject: Declaration of Customary Law Regulating Succession to the Title of AGADAGBA OF EGBEMA  Dated: 28th day of September, 1979, Benin City Signed: D. P. Lawani, O.O.N., J.P., Secretary to the Military Government, Bendel State of Nigeria KEY POINTS OF THE DECLARATION The Four Ruling Villages of Egbema There are four villages in Egbema that are recognized for succession: Jamagie/Abadigbene Ajakurama Opuama/Polobubor Ogbudugbudu Succession to the Agadagba stool rotates among the four villages in the exact order listed above. Qualification of a Candidate To qualify, a candidate must be a male descendant of an Egbema father, and a non-Egbema mother.  . The selection of candidates is by consensus of representatives from all four villages at a meeting summoned for that purpose. The meeting must be presided over by the oldest man, called the ...

By EgbemaVoice News A prominent Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Sayami Ogumaka, has commended Edo-born youth leader Comrade Tony Kabaka for what he described as his courage in speaking the truth regarding the growing concerns over the alleged marginalisation of the Ijaw people in Edo State. In a statement made available to EgbemaVoice News, Comrade Mingo stated that the intervention of Tony Kabaka on issues affecting the Ijaw people has brought renewed attention to decades of alleged political, traditional and developmental injustice suffered by the indigenous Ijaw communities in Edo State. According to him, the five Ijaw kingdoms in Edo State Egbema, Olodiama, Gbaran, Furupagha and Okomu—have consistently complained of exclusion, intimidation, oppression and neglect by successive administrations in the state. He alleged that despite the significant contributions of the Ijaw people to the economy and development of Edo State, especially through their oil-producing c...

Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPY), Egbema Youth Council (EYC), IYC Egbema Clan, INC Edo State Chapter, and Egbema Political Leaders Endorse Hon. Ayedi Sunny Ikiyokepere as sole candidate for the Edo State  House Assembly Race By EgbemaVoice News In a significant move aimed at strengthening Ijaw political unity ahead of the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election, the Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF), in collaboration with the Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide, Egbema Clan Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Edo State Chapter, and other prominent Ijaw political stakeholders, convened a strategic joint meeting to deliberate on the political future of the Ovia South-West Local Government Area Constituency. The meeting focused on the need for greater unity among Ijaw political leaders and stakeholders to improve the chances of producing an Ijaw representative in the Edo State House of Assembly. During the deliberations, participants expr...

Glory Nneka Ukwenga, Founder and Executive Director of Africana League, a pan-African youth leadership development organisation, has bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies from the Nile University of Nigeria. The prestigious doctorate was conferred on Ukwenga on July 24, 2026, following her successful defence in Abuja, Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the career of the bilingual leadership development analyst and youth advocacy pioneer. Her PhD thesis was on Civil-Military Relations and the Challenges of Democratic Governance in West Africa: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and Mali (2019-2026). The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is in Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies. Ukwenga, whose academic journey has been defined by excellence, holds a Master of Science in Political Science with a specialisation in International Relations, which she earned with distinction from the University of Ibadan, and a Bachelor of Science in Polit...

NIGER DELTA YOUTH LEADER, COMRADE MINGO MESHACH SAYAMI OGUMAKA (KINGDOMVOICE), CONGRATULATES PROF. ESEKUMEMU VICTOR CLARK ON APPOINTMENT AS ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR OF EDWIN CLARK UNIVERSITY By EgbemaVoice, Niger Delta youth leader, Publisher of EgbemaVoice News, and postgraduate student of the Department of Political Science, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka (KingdomVoice), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to his lecturer and academic supervisor, Professor Esekumemu Victor Clark, on his official appointment as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Edwin Clark University (ECUK), Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State. In his congratulatory message, Comrade Mingo described the appointment as well-deserved, noting that Professor Clark has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, integrity, and an commitment to the growth and development of the university. According to him, Professor Clark is a highly dedicated and disciplined lec...

Breaking news: STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES EXPANSION OF NIGERIAN ARMY TO 12 DIVISIONS, RECRUITMENT OF 28,000 PERSONNEL TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions—a landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. This approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further. The expansion builds on the Administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for o...

JUST IN: Mama Akabai Ororomene (Nee Febebebo) Bows Out at 110 in Ekogbene Town By EgbemaVoice News The family of Mama Akabai Ororomene (Nee Febebebo) has announced the peaceful passing of their beloved matriarch at the remarkable age of 110 years. According to information made available to EgbemaVoice News, Mama Akabai Ororomene passed away today, Thursday, 23rd July 2026, in Ekogbene Town, bringing to a close a long and fulfilled life dedicated to family, community, and humanity. Speaking on behalf of the family, ASP Eric Warebura described the death of his grandmother as a deeply painful and heartbreaking loss. He noted that while the family is grateful to God for granting her an exceptionally long life, her passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. He described the late centenarian as a woman of peace, wisdom, humility, and integrity whose life positively impacted generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and m...

THE LATE KING (DR.) ROBERT EBIZIMOR: THE NUMEPERE OF IZON IBE WORLD WIDE  A MUST READ BY ALL ADMIRERS AND LOVERS OF THE SAGE OF IJAW MUSIC Few names command as much reverence in the history of Ijaw music as King (Dr.) Robert Ebizimor. A legendary Nigerian musician and one of the greatest cultural icons to emerge from the Niger Delta, he dedicated his life to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich heritage of the Ijaw people through music. Revered across the Ijaw nation and beyond as the King of Music, he uniquely combined traditional royal honour with an extraordinary artistic career that spanned several decades, earning him a permanent place among Nigeria's greatest indigenous musicians. BACKGROUND AND EARLY LIFE King Robert Ebizimor was born on September 25, 1943, although some historical accounts place his birth on March 13, 1944. He was of paternal descent from Angalabiri in present-day Bayelsa State and maternal descent from Ojobo in Delta State. As the youngest of se...

By EgbemaVoice  The legal battle for the soul of the Ijaw National Congress has ended. The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt affirmed McDonald Igbadiwei as INC President and dismissed the suit filed by retired Rear Admiral Geoffrey Iyanga.[date] Iyanga had approached the court to challenge the process that produced the current INC National Executive Council, faulting the electoral committee and raising issues of eligibility. But the appellate court ruled in favor of Igbadiwei, agreeing with submissions by M.J. Numa, SAN, and Ebibenabo Okorodas that the Yenagoa High Court erred by not first deciding on jurisdiction. The court held that once jurisdiction is challenged, it must be resolved before proceeding with any other matter. Consequently, it dismissed Iyanga’s case. The judgment further legitimized the April 10, 2026 INC election at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, conducted by the Francis Tabai-led electoral committee, confirming Igbadiwei as the duly elected president of...

EDO IJAWS ARE INDIGENOUS, NOT SETTLERS - IYC PRESIDENT ORDERS 30-DAY FACT-FINDING MISSION By EgbemaVoice  The newly inaugurated President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, has declared that the Ijaw people of Edo State are aboriginal inhabitants and indigenous owners of their ancestral lands, insisting that they must never be regarded as settlers. Okotete made the declaration in his inaugural address, a copy of which was obtained by GbaramatuVoice. He also ordered a fact-finding mission to Edo State and placed all organs, affiliates and structures of the Council on alert to defend the political, economic, social and traditional rights of Ijaw communities in the state. “We reaffirm unequivocally that the Ijaws of Edo State are not settlers. They are aboriginal inhabitants and indigenous owners of their ancestral lands. “This administration stands firmly with the concerns raised by our foremost leader, HRM King Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, r...

By EgbemaVoice, The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his sustained investment in strengthening security across the state, describing the administration's support to security agencies as instrumental in enhancing policing and public safety. The Police Commissioner gave the commendation when the Chairman of the Delta State Security Trust Fund (DSSTF), Hon. Barr. Daniel Mayuku, led members of the Board and management, including the Executive Secretary, Hon. Barr. Samuel Osasa, on a courtesy visit to the Delta State Police Command Headquarters in Asaba. The visit, according to both parties, was aimed at reinforcing the existing partnership between the Delta State Security Trust Fund and the Nigeria Police Force in safeguarding lives and property across the state. Speaking during the meeting, CP Oyeniyi expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government and the Security Trust Fund for their consistent suppor...

By Nelson Egware  In an era when the media landscape has been transformed by technology, shifting political realities and changing public expectations, few journalists have remained as relevant, resilient and respected as Elder Chukwudi Abiandu.  As he turns 70, colleagues, associates and admirers are celebrating not just a birthday, but a remarkable life dedicated to journalism, public communication, leadership and service.  For more than four decades, Abiandu has remained a familiar and influential figure in Nigerian journalism. His career, spanning over 43 years, reflects the story of a consummate professional who rose through the ranks on the strength of discipline, excellence and an unwavering commitment to ethical journalism.  His journey began in 1981 when he undertook industrial training at the iconic Daily Times of Nigeria before receiving formal newsroom grooming at the prestigious Times Newspaper Training Centre, now the Times Journalism Instit...