NewStats: 3,261,425 , 8,173,960 topics. Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 at 08:44 AM 27643o

Urhobo Misconceptions and Inherited Illiteracy by their Elders and youths. Part 1. By Lord_of_Warri on 𝕏 (Twitter).

Both Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo conducted separate investigations into the Olu of Warri title and found substantial evidence ing the Itsekiri claim. Contrary to the Urhobo narrative, which was fueled by anti-Yoruba sentiment, it wasn't just Awolowo who verified the Itsekiri claim. Azikiwe's findings also confirmed the Itsekiri's strong grounds for their assertion, debunking the misinformation spread by the Urhobo people.

The Olu of Warri title; for many years, the Urhobo people have ignorantly claimed that it was Obafemi Awolowo who gave the Olu of Warri title to the Olu, suggesting that it never existed before then. However, despite proof to the contrary and letters showing that the Olu of Warri was briefly changed to Olu of Itsekiri due to Delta being referred to as Warri province at the time, this misconception persists.

It wasn't just Obafemi Awolowo who investigated the Olu of Warri title; in fact, in 1940, Nnamdi Azikiwe also investigated and brought proof of Itsekiri ownership of the area, confirming that the title "Olu of Itsekiri" is incorrect and that it has always been "Olu of Warri". Zik obtained ancient European records and published his findings in a newspaper.

This matter became an issue of topical importance, and no less a person than Dr. Namdi Azikwe then contributed to the debate in the West African Pilot of 14 May 1940 as follows:
“His highness Ginuwa Il is Olu of the Itsekiri speaking people who live on Itsekiri land on a section of Warri Township. If the matter is to be discussed in detail, it will be found that a definite title is necessary, in which case the Olu of Warri seems to be most historical and correct. When we speak of the Oba of Lagos, we refer to the paramount Native Ruler of Lagos Township, although Lagos is peopled mainly by Yoruba speaking peoples and Lagos is part of Yoruba land. So too, in the case of his Highness Ginuwa II, the Olu of Warri is the paramount Native Ruler of Warri although Warri Township is peopled mainly by the Itsekiri-speaking people and Warri is part of Itsekiri Land.”

That was vintage Dr. Azikiwe, a patriot and nationalist who had ed the debate against the oppressive imperalist policy against the Itsekiri in those days. Then, when independence drew near, Awolowo, the government leader in the Western Region, had to take the matter of the Olu of Wari title to Parliament in 1952. After a healthy debate there, the Delta parliamentarians accepted that Warri Province be changed to Delta province so that Warri, as a name, should revert to those who had it. On the prompting by London, the governor general in Lagos, following the parliamentary approval of the title in Ibadan in may 1952, wrote a report to London dated 14 Oct 1952 justifying the change, saying it was based on “sound historical grounds especially as Warri Division (sic jekri-sobo division) which consisted of two areas, the itsekiri (Warri district now the three Warri local government areas) and the sobo area (sobo division now delta central) had been separated (C544/708/of colonial records)

The mere suggestion that education and research could be beneficial to the Urhobo people is met with a knee-jerk reaction of belligerent ignorance. They launch into vacuous arguments, bereft of logic or reason, which only serve to further erode their already tenuous grasp on intellectual credibility. It's a pitiful spectacle, one that eerily echoes the scathing indictment delivered by Judge Maxwell over a century ago in the landmark Warri ownership case - a verdict that still resonates today as a damning testament to their obstinacy and close-mindedness.

Judge T.D. Maxwell's scathing assessment of Urhobo witnesses in his 1926 court still resonates today:

“They come to this court in the persons of a series of utterly illiterate peasant witness. Of the first three, each of them seemed to me merely senile and l accept (not without hesitation) their counsel assertion that they were sober or at least normal in the witness box. Each of the others seemed to me to be abysmally stupid as well as ignorant.” - harsh words that unfortunately remain relevant nearly a century later.

It's staggering that within an ethnic group of 2 million people, not one individual has demonstrated the intellectual curiosity or critical thinking skills to challenge the prevailing narrative of ignorance. Instead of conducting independent research or seeking credible sources of information they blindly follow the crowd in claiming ownership of something that has never been theirs.

Their obstinacy flies in the face of overwhelming evidence - 13 European eyewitness s 62 historical maps spanning over three centuries (1588-1896) - all corroborating Itsekiri ownership of Warri Not even federal government investigations have swayed them from their misguided conviction.

One can't help but wonder if this collective delusion has taken a devastating toll on their mental health - perhaps even inducing severe cognitive dissonance or mass hysteria among Urhobos It's imperative for them to break free from this cycle of ignorance and seek education before it's too late.

By Lord_of_Warri on 𝕏 (Twitter).

This matter is stale and I don't want to believe we should be having this discussion. We must accept the current realities regardless of where we are from and note that no-one is going anywhere. Coexistence is what will benefit all and I don't know why this guy on twitter and his minions continue to champion disunity.

Again, it was never out of place to say Awolowo was bias towards certain groups in the Delta. Awolowo never hid his love for people from his fold and considering how his Ijebu people formed what we today know as Itsekiri, you could clearly see why he was up in arms and ready to do anything for them. It's human nature to be bias. Also, Azikiwe could have argued from a point of limited knowledge as regards the diverse nature of 'Warri.' No single group should be allowed to lay claim to such diverse place. We must accept this reality and end this unnecessary e-war.

bro, Im grateful I'm igbo. How can a town be debating what ethnicity their paramount leader is without shame?
I'm specifically glad I'm normal Igbo and not all the rumu kumu igbos that are also confused. At a point, debating the basis of your identity is extremely shameful and something almost exclusively reserved for slaves.

Why can't you asked the Olu of Warri what he is, or go to his palace and hear what language he's speaking? What is Awolowo and Azikiwe going to tell you?

Ofodirinwa:
bro, Im grateful I'm igbo. How can a town be debating what ethnicity their paramount leader is without shame?
I'm specifically glad I'm normal Igbo and not all the rumu kumu igbos that are also confused. At a point, debating the basis of your identity is extremely shameful and something almost exclusively reserved for slaves.

Why can't you asked the Olu of Warri what he is, or go to his palace and hear what language he's speaking? What is Awolowo and Azikiwe going to tell you?

I think you were too forward to post on a topic you clearly have limited knowledge about. It is not right.

This is the argument. No one argues where the name 'Warri' comes from. No one argues that Itsekiris are indigenous to Warri. The main bone of contention is that the King of Itsekiris shouldn't be called King of Warri because the city had grown big to encom territories belonging to Urhobos. You'll agree with me that many of such cities which grew beyond their original boundaries to cover their neighbours territories abound. Problem usually arise when the neighbours are not of the same ethnic stock as them.
Urhobos feel that Olu of Itsekiris should maintain the title to reflect that he is king only to the Itsekiris but fail to realise that Warri itself is a name that originated from the Itsekiris.
As much as I sympathize with the Urhobos, there's hardly anything they can do about it. The best they can do is to maintain and promote the king of their own section of Greater Warri. However, the Olu of Warri will always have preeminence because it is an old monarchy and popular for that matter.
I think the Urhobos have got the message and don't bring up the issue anymore.

Fejoku:

I think you were too forward to post on a topic you clearly have limited knowledge about. It is right.

This is the argument. No one argues where the name 'Warri' comes from. No one argues that Itsekiris are indigenous to Warri. The main bone of contention is that the King of Itsekiris shouldn't be called King of Warri because the city had grew big to encom territories belonging to Urhobos. You'll agree with me that many of such cities which grew beyond their original boundaries to cover their neighbours territories abound. Problem usually arise when the neighbours are of the same ethnic stock as them.
Urhobos feel that Olu of Itsekiris should maintain the title to reflect that he is king only to the Itsekiris but fail to realise that Warri itself is a name that originated from the Itsekiris.
As much as I sympathize with the Urhobos, there's hardly anything they can do about it. The best they can do is to maintain and promote the king of their own section of Greater Warri. However, the Olu of Warri will always have preeminence because it is an old monarchy and popular for that matter.
I think the Urhobos have got the message and don't bring up the issue anymore.

Were the Jekris inhabitants on that land before Sobos, Urhobos?

Efewestern:
This matter is stale and I don't want to believe we should be having this discussion. We must accept the current realities regardless of where we are from and note that no-one is going anywhere. Coexistence is what will benefit all and I don't know why this guy on twitter and his minions continue to champion disunity.

Again, it was never out of place to say Awolowo was bias towards certain groups in the Delta. Awolowo never hid his love for people from his fold and considering how his Ijebu people formed what we today know as Itsekiri, you could clearly see why he was up in arms and ready to do anything for them. It's human nature to be bias. Also, Azikiwe could have argued from a point of limited knowledge as regards the diverse nature of 'Warri.' No single group should be allowed to lay claim to such diverse place. We must accept this reality and end this unnecessary e-war.

Awolowo and Azikiwe both found evidence and proof that itsekiri’s are the original inhabitants of warri and the rest later ed them find the colonial records you will see more evidence. He has always been called Olu of Warri

cassyrooy:
Were the Jekris inhabitants on that land before Sobos, Urhobos?

I hope this answers your questions

GhostOfNigeria:
Awolowo and Azikiwe both found evidence and proof that itsekiri’s are the original inhabitants of warri and the rest later ed them find the colonial records you will see more evidence. He has always been called Olu of Warri

I still don't understand this issue of Warri seriously I keep telling people that Warri belong to everybody, whether Itsekiris, Urhobos or Ijaws.
Oba of Lagos is a perfect example, is he the king of Lagos? No, are there many first class like him in Lagos? Yes.
This Warri issue is destroying Warri badly, that why no company want to operate in Warri.

Ok

cassyrooy:
Were the Jekris inhabitants on that land before Sobos, Urhobos?

Yes they were. The white people traded with the Itsekiris even before the Benin people. Itsekiris are arguably the first Nigerians that had with Europeans. The first church built in Nigeria was built in Warri among the Itsekiris. Urhobos are inland and didn't have with Europeans until much more later.
Urhobos however outnumber the Itsekiris in population so much as ratio 4:1 in Delta state.

Ofodirinwa:
bro, Im grateful I'm igbo. How can a town be debating what ethnicity their paramount leader is without shame?
I'm specifically glad I'm normal Igbo and not all the rumu kumu igbos that are also confused. At a point, debating the basis of your identity is extremely shameful and something almost exclusively reserved for slaves.

Why can't you asked the Olu of Warri what he is, or go to his palace and hear what language he's speaking? What is Awolowo and Azikiwe going to tell you?

I'm Igbo too but if you do not understand a matter, you simply keep quiet or ask for understanding. Your comment shows you don't understand because clearly, you are not from Delta State.

Fejoku:

Yes they were. The white people traded with the Itsekiris even before the Benin people. Itsekiris are arguably the first Nigerians that had with Europeans. The first church built in Nigeria was built in Warri among the Itsekiris. Urhobos are inland and didn't have with Europeans until much more later.
Urhobos however outnumber the Itsekiris in population so much as ratio 4:1 in Delta state.

The ratio is more like 8:1, if not more.

WhizdomXX:

The ratio is more like 8:1, if not more.

What's your estimate of Urhobo only population and Itsekiri only population?
I'll give Urhobos 2.7million and Itsekiris 650 thousand.

Fejoku:

What's your estimate of Urhobo only population and Itsekiri only population?
I'll give Urhobos 2.7million and Itsekiris 650 thousand.

In Delta or outside Delta?

GhostOfNigeria:
Awolowo and Azikiwe both found evidence and proof that itsekiri’s are the original inhabitants of warri and the rest later ed them find the colonial records you will see more evidence. He has always been called Olu of Warri

There is no such thing as original inhabitants. Every of these groups both have a legit claim to the city. Of course we are not discussing about other parts of 'Warri' or the Origin of the name. The bone of contention is you wanting others to believe others don't have any legit claims to the city.

This argument should be killed. It won't do us any good. We must accept the realities and compromise when possible.

Fejoku:

Yes they were. The white people traded with the Itsekiris even before the Benin people. Itsekiris are arguably the first Nigerians that had with Europeans. The first church built in Nigeria was built in Warri among the Itsekiris. Urhobos are inland and didn't have with Europeans until much more later.
Urhobos however outnumber the Itsekiris in population so much as ratio 4:1 in Delta state.

The bone of contention is Warri city not these other riverine towns that falls under Warri province. If you say group A is the original habitant of the city then you are saying these other groups don't have ancestral claims to their lands and should be under the lordship of group A. This is the debate and will always be.

Recently, the Urhobos began renaming some parts of their city as Wado but this also stirred some people. Their claims; Urhobos are tenants and should have no right to their part of the city. This is the issue some of these supremacists are pushing and should be condemned. Every of the trio have a legit claim to their respective land and no one should be under the Oluship or ovieship of any one.

The Urhobos being Inland people didn't stop them from occupying and owing lands that the city covers. Heck, Warri isn't the only place where the Urhobos converged with other ethnicities. In several Western Ijaw terrains in like Patani, the Urhobos also have territories they occupy and control and the Ijaws aren't pushing any propaganda. Infact, they are fusing as one people. Why must we have this Warri debate every time?

When you say a group of people are your tenants, it means the land they are occupying isn't of their ancestors. For example, we can say the many Ilaje communities existing in Delta state today are tenants of the Itsekiris because they are occupying riverine terrains that belongs to the group. Can the Ilaje wake up one morning and begin laying claims to these lands? No, they aren't even recognised by the state and they're existing in creeks their forebears never founded. The case is different with the groups in Warri whose ancestors founded and formed the city.

Surprisingly, some of these guys have no problem with the growing Ilaje communities in their terrain. They are concerned about who owns where in Warri.

WhizdomXX:

In Delta or outside Delta?

In Delta state of course. There are few Itsekiris indigenous to Edo state and few Urhobos indigenous to Bayelsa state.

The Itsekiris were driven into the riverine areas and were not worthy to live among people on land. They don’t own any land. When they bury their dead, they bury on top of each other and this is proof they don’t have enough land to bury their dead.

Politics made them have access to political figures who intertwined and connived with law enforcement to give them access to land, on land. The Itsekiris were known to give their daughters as gifts to any political figures, in other to get favors and this tradition still holds true till date. I dare any itsekiri on this forum should deny this!

Secondly, the Olu title was referred to as “Olu of Itsekiri”. When Warri was booming, and at its finest the greed of the Itsekiris started craving in, hence the need for them to call their king the “Olu of Warri”. Warri is a town which comprises of different ethnic groups, how can a king be called that when he cannot be lord over different people?

This issue is common sense, but sad to say most Itsekiris don’t have one hence the reason their kingship is built on a faulty foundation and they can’t see the wrong concept. How can your revered tradition be built on another man’s land? Laughable!!

Fejoku:

Yes they were. The white people traded with the Itsekiris even before the Benin people. Itsekiris are arguably the first Nigerians that had with Europeans. The first church built in Nigeria was built in Warri among the Itsekiris. Urhobos are inland and didn't have with Europeans until much more later.
Urhobos however outnumber the Itsekiris in population so much as ratio 4:1 in Delta state.

Your statement is laughable! It was the bini kingdom who sent a prince to form the itsekiri dynasty, technically they owned the itsekiri kingdom be it as it may. They were the ones technically communicating with the Portuguese. Know thy history!

Efewestern:


The bone of contention is Warri city not these other riverine towns that falls under Warri province. If you say group A is the original habitant of the city then you are saying these other groups don't have ancestral claims to their lands and should be under the lordship of group A. This is the debate and will always be.

Recently, the Urhobos began renaming some parts of their city as Wado but this also stirred some people. Their claims; Urhobos are tenants and should have no right to their part of the city. This is the issue some of these supremacists are pushing and should be condemned. Every of the trio have a legit claim to their respective land and no one should be under the Oluship or ovieship of any one.

The Urhobos being Inland people didn't stop them from occupying and owing lands that the city covers. Heck, Warri isn't the only place where the Urhobos converged with other ethnicities. In several Western Ijaw terrains in like Patani, the Urhobos also have territories they occupy and control and the Ijaws aren't pushing any propaganda. Infact, they are fusing as one people. Why must we have this Warri debate every time?

When you say a group of people are your tenants, it means the land they are occupying isn't of their ancestors. For example, we can say the many Ilaje communities existing in Delta state today are tenants of the Itsekiris because they are occupying riverine terrains that belongs to the group. Can the Ilaje wake up one morning and begin laying claims to these lands? No, they aren't even recognised by the state and they're existing in creeks their forebears never founded. The case is different with the groups in Warri whose ancestors founded and formed the city.

Surprisingly, some of these guys have no problem with the growing Ilaje communities in their terrain. They are concerned about who owns where in Warri.

You should understand the dynamics of history and politics and learn from it. The Warri situation is common in many cities around Nigeria. I don't know Warri that much as to say exactly where Itsekiriland stops and Urhoboland begins. I can try to investigate it from maps and sources going back into centuries but it won't change the conundrum facing Urhobos with regards to their stake in Warri.
The Urhobos definitely are indigenous to the Greater Warri city but their initial focal point of challenging the title of Olu of Warri was misplaced. The best they could have done was to emphasize on their boundary of the sprawling city and erect/institute markers that would solidify their claims. That way, the Itsekiris won't feel threatened by the Urhobos and won't be all out to disclaim any or all Urhobo claims in Warri.
All isn't lost though. The Urhobos should stand on the path of fact and put their markers on the areas traditionally ancestral to them. They have the industry and population to maintain it.
As for the fusion into one entity between Itsekiris and Urhobos, I doubt if it will happen because of external factors. If you guys manage to pull it off though, it will be good for all of you.

I have question for you. In all sincerity especially to the best of your knowledge; where is the historical boundary between Itsekiris and Urhobos in Warri?

cassyrooy:
Were the Jekris inhabitants on that land before Sobos, Urhobos?

The main issue is the effect of expansive urbanization immediately the British established the place as their colonial istrative district capital. At the time the British arrived, Warri was just a small Itsekiri village sharing boundaries with several Urhobo indigenous villages. When the Europeans made Warri their istrative headquarters for the district, the "once-a-time ago" village developed into a growing commercial township that now expanded and spread into neighboring Urhobo villages and communities. The consequence is that due to urbanization factor, modern "Warri" has over the years grown to encom not just Itsekiriland but also large parts of Urhoboland that were not originally part of Warri. Just the same way the name "Lagos" is now used to cover or call places that were not originally part of Lagos. The problem with the itsekiris is their deceptive penchant wanting to lay claims to every territory the name Warri now apply to, but the truth is that urbanization has made modern Warri city to expand far beyond the original small Itsekiri Hamlets and into neighboring ethnic groups communities and villages. As at today, Urhobo towns/communities of Ogunu, Edjeba, Agbassa, Eboh, Okumagba, Iyara, Okurode-Urhobo, Enerhen, Ekpan, Otoghele, Bazunu, ukpokiti, Ugborikoko, Ugboroke, etc, which were not originally parts of Warri prior to arrival of the British are now the "commercial hubs" and "heartlands" of modern Warri metropolis due to rapid urbanization. Presently, over 70% of modern Warri is now situated in Urhoboland as a result of expanding urban growth. The Itsekiri parts of modern Warri city is currently not up to 30% due to lack of land for expansion as their territory borders the sea.

nairaman66:


Your statement is laughable! It was the bini kingdom who sent a prince to form the itsekiri dynasty, technically they owned the itsekiri kingdom be it as it may. They were the ones technically communicating with the Portuguese. Know thy history!

Keeping sentiments aside, we can boldly say that language and ethnic identity disparity between the Itsekiris and Benin means Benin has little claim to the Itsekiris and Warri. There's no argument in the role Benin played in founding Warri monarchy. Whatever royalty Benin seeks to exert on Warri is only to the extent Warri choses to remain subservient to her. Records show that Itsekiri claimed independence as far back as the 1700s from Benin. The relationship was that of a neighbour and an ally.
The Portuguese didn't seek the permission of the Oba of Benin before building a Church in Warri in the 1700s. They got it expressly from the King of Warri.
I mean no disrepect to Benin or history. However, my deductions from extensive studies on Benin history shows that despite her fame and influence around her neighbours, there was no real military might and authority she wielded over areas even considered her vassals. Not in Warri, not in Lagos and not even among the northern Edos who were raided and sold off by islamists from the north. Benin has no record of any serious warfare with other kingdoms around her except the Igalas. Her vassal claims over those territories was mostly nominal as she couldn't defend or send troops to help when they were in danger.
I summarize Benin's rise to popularity to these three points.
1. Benin was undoubtedly more organized than all the kingdoms around her. This made her state functioned better in developing their capital which attracted respect and iration.
2. The Benin bronze castings definitely did bamboozle anyone who sees them and accord respect to the people of Benin.
3. Lastly, the notion of Benin's powerful charms and spells helped in creating the image of her as being a force to reckon with among her neighbours. Unfortunately, couldn't deliver much when it mattered most.

Fejoku:

Keeping sentiments aside, we can boldly say that language and ethnic identity disparity between the Itsekiris and Benin means Benin has little claim to the Itsekiris and Warri. There's no argument in the role Benin played in founding Warri monarchy. Whatever royalty Benin seeks to exert on Warri is only to the extent Warri choses to remain subservient to her. Records show that Itsekiri claimed independence as far back as the 1700s from Benin. The relationship was that of a neighbour and an ally.
The Portuguese didn't seek the permission of the Oba of Benin before building a Church in Warri in the 1700s. They got it expressly from the King of Warri.
I mean no disrepect to Benin or history. However, my deductions from extensive studies on Benin history shows that despite her fame and influence around her neighbours, there was no real military might and authority she wielded over areas even considered her vassals. Not in Warri, not in Lagos and not even among the northern Edos who were raided and sold off by islamists from the north. Benin has no record of any serious warfare with other kingdoms around her except the Igalas. Her vassal claims over those territories was mostly nominal as she couldn't defend or send troops to help when they were in danger.
I summarize Benin's rise to popularity to these three points.
1. Benin was undoubtedly more organized than all the kingdoms around her. This made her state functioned better in developing their capital which attracted respect and iration.
2. The Benin bronze castings definitely did bamboozle anyone who sees them and accord respect to the people of Benin.
3. Lastly, the notion of Benin's powerful charms and spells helped in creating the image of her as being a force to reckon with among her neighbours. Unfortunately, couldn't deliver much when it mattered most.

So sad you don’t know your history!

Fejoku:

Keeping sentiments aside, we can boldly say that language and ethnic identity disparity between the Itsekiris and Benin means Benin has little claim to the Itsekiris and Warri.

You guys should petition to your kith and kin in South West instead of all this back and forth.

Zooposki:


You guys should petition to your kith and kin in South West instead of all this back and forth.

I'm proudly Igbo. Just stating what I know from the many historical studies I've done.

Fejoku:

I'm proudly Igbo. Just stating what I know from the many historical studies I've done.

SMH.

Fejoku:

Yes they were. The white people traded with the Itsekiris even before the Benin people. Itsekiris are arguably the first Nigerians that had with Europeans. The first church built in Nigeria was built in Warri among the Itsekiris. Urhobos are inland and didn't have with Europeans until much more later.
Urhobos however outnumber the Itsekiris in population so much as ratio 4:1 in Delta state.

4:1 that's like 80% to 20% and with Anioma leaving, the pounding will be heavy.

Anyway, glad Igbos are leaving Delta state and focusing more on Anioma.

We'll come back for pur brothers in Delta Central (Nde Ukwuani) later on.

Good luck to the Jekris.

Zooposki:


You guys should petition to your kith and kin in South West instead of all this back and forth.

Did the Jekris conquer the Sobos and drive them away?

Kirigidi:
The main issue is the effect of expansive urbanization immediately the British established the place as their colonial istrative district capital. At the time the British arrived, Warri was just a small Itsekiri village sharing boundaries with several Urhobo indigenous villages. When the Europeans made Warri their istrative headquarters for the district, the "once-a-time ago" village developed into a growing commercial township that now expanded and spread into neighboring Urhobo villages and communities. The consequence is that due to urbanization factor, modern "Warri" has over the years grown to encom not just Itsekiriland but also large parts of Urhoboland that were not originally part of Warri. Just the same way the name "Lagos" is now used to cover or call places that were not originally part of Lagos. The problem with the itsekiris is their deceptive penchant wanting to lay claims to every territory the name Warri now apply to, but the truth is that urbanization has made modern Warri city to expand far beyond the original small Itsekiri Hamlets and into neighboring ethnic groups communities and villages. As at today, Urhobo towns/communities of Ogunu, Edjeba, Agbassa, Eboh, Okumagba, Iyara, Okurode-Urhobo, Enerhen, Ekpan, Otoghele, Bazunu, ukpokiti, Ugborikoko, Ugboroke, etc, which were not originally parts of Warri prior to arrival of the British are now the "commercial hubs" and "heartlands" of modern Warri metropolis due to rapid urbanization. Presently, over 70% of modern Warri is now situated in Urhoboland as a result of expanding urban growth. The Itsekiri parts of modern Warri city is currently not up 30% due to lack of land for expansion as their territory border the sea.

The Jekris are ing through a whole lot, God help them survive.

Fejoku:

In Delta state of course. There are few Itsekiris indigenous to Edo state and few Urhobos indigenous to Bayelsa state.

Okay, firstly, Urhobos indigenous to Bayelsa are not few, that's why they currently produced the Deputy governor, Lawrence Egwhrudjakpor. Urhobos are also found in settlements in Ogun state and around Benin city.
Back to the matter, I believe Delta State population is about 8,000,000 ± 1.5 million. Of that, indigenous should be about 80% or >. The Urhobos should number between 35%-38% of that amount. The itsekiri should number between 4-6% of that amount. The issue is that most people increasing the itsekiri number are of Urhobo paternity and itsekiri maternity and they tend to adopt itsekiri culture even when their surname says otherwise. The evidence is there.
Total postulation :
Urhobo- 3,000,000
Itsekiri- 400,000.

WhizdomXX:

I'm Igbo too but if you do not understand a matter, you simply keep quiet or ask for understanding. Your comment shows you don't understand because clearly, you are not from Delta State.

A lot of ethnic confusion in delta state. more than anyone can possible make sense of

Efewestern:
This matter is stale and I don't want to believe we should be having this discussion. We must accept the current realities regardless of where we are from and note that no-one is going anywhere. Coexistence is what will benefit all and I don't know why this guy on twitter and his minions continue to champion disunity.

Again, it was never out of place to say Awolowo was bias towards certain groups in the Delta. Awolowo never hid his love for people from his fold and considering how his Ijebu people formed what we today know as Itsekiri, you could clearly see why he was up in arms and ready to do anything for them. It's human nature to be bias. Also, Azikiwe could have argued from a point of limited knowledge as regards the diverse nature of 'Warri.' No single group should be allowed to lay claim to such diverse place. We must accept this reality and end this unnecessary e-war.

You're quite stupid while displaying your shameless criminality. The question is does Iwere (Warri) sounds Sobo to your dumb criminal head? Iwere are Jekri who are Yoruba as a matter of fact. Go check all the old map, did you see Sobo there? Fact is Sobo are tenants in Warri

As a matter of fact, the last image below is an old map made by a Sobo man who pointed out each group. You can't even steal anyone's territory when all is already mapped and documented. It's too late. Sink that into your stupid criminal head.