By Onyekachukwu Utebor, Warri
Former Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, has called for sustained peace and unity among the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency, saying peaceful coexistence is critical to attracting infrastructure, investment and employment opportunities to the area.
Okumagba, in a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, said the people of Warri Federal Constituency must move beyond past hurts and grievances and concentrate on issues capable of improving the economic fortunes and living conditions of the people.
He said peace and brotherliness among the various ethnic nationalities would allow the people to devote their collective energies to development rather than conflicts, adding that mutual respect should remain the foundation of relationships among the various kingdoms.
The former commissioner, who holds the traditional chieftaincy titles of Udu of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and Eruvwu R’Ovie of Agbarha Warri Kingdom, both in Warri South Local Government Area, also clarified the traditional structure of the constituency.
He identified the Olu of Warri Kingdom as the paramount ruler of the Itsekiri people and territories in Warri Federal Constituency, while noting that other separate and independent kingdoms in the constituency include Okere-Urhobo, Agbarha Warri, Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh Warri, Egbema and Isaba.
According to him, the various traditional rulers have an important role to play in sustaining the emerging atmosphere of peace in Warri.
Okumagba particularly commended recent meetings involving the Olu of Warri Kingdom and the Amakusu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, as well as subsequent engagements between the Olu and the Ovie of Agbarha Warri Kingdom and the Oroseun of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom.
He urged the monarchs to sustain such engagements, describing their efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect as important to the future of the constituency.
“We will all need to rise above our past hurts and rise above our traumas and commit to a peaceful coexistence with mutual respect,” Okumagba said.
He added that where disagreements remained unresolved after dialogue, the parties should seek judicial intervention rather than resort to confrontation.
The former commissioner said the renewed emphasis on peace should pave the way for the people to work together across ethnic lines to attract major infrastructure projects and investments to Warri Federal Constituency.
He also called for concerted efforts to promote gainful employment and thriving businesses for the people, irrespective of their ethnic nationality.
Okumagba urged all residents and indigenes of the constituency to embrace unity, respect the various traditional institutions and promote inter-ethnic harmony, saying the collective interest of Warri should remain paramount.
About the Author
