The Itsekiri Youths Elites, IYE, has raised alarm over alleged plot to remove the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comrade Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac and replace him with his Vice, Hon. Kingsley Edafiadjebre. President of IYE, Comrade Lily – White O. Esigbone, who raised the alarm in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri Tuesday, said the move was not only ” politically motivated, but carry undertones of ethnic intimidation.” Esigbone, claimed:” In recent days, a wave of targeted campaigns has emerged against the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Oritseweyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro. These campaigns, largely driven by certain Urhobo elements within Delta State, have leveled baseless allegations against the Chairman—many of which appear to be rooted more in ethnic bias than in factual wrongdoing.
“Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, a proud Itsekiri son and a known advocate of peace and unity, has consistently demonstrated commitment to the development and stability of Warri South. His leadership style has been inclusive and focused on progress, a truth that the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is well aware of.
“It is concerning, however, that these attacks against Hon. Weyinmi are not only politically motivated but also carry undertones of ethnic intimidation. There appears to be a deliberate attempt to remove the Chairman and replace him with his Vice, Edafiadjebre Kingsley, an Urhobo man—raising suspicion of an orchestrated ethnic power play within the local government.
“This pattern of ethnic dominance and political manipulation by the Urhobo political elite is not new. It mirrors historical actions during the administration of former Governor Chief James Ibori, which contributed to the infamous Warri Crisis. Today, similar signs are re-emerging under Governor Oborevwori’s watch, and it is deeply troubling that the Governor has not called these elements to order.
“It is also important to note that other key officials in Warri South—such as the Vice Chairman Kingsley Edafiadjebre and the Leader of the Legislative House Rt Hon Joy Ejumudo — both of Urhobo origin, have also failed to publicly denounce these divisive efforts. Their silence only emboldens those who seek to destabilize Warri South for personal or ethnic gain.
“Furthermore, the creation of a disputed 2024 community within Odion, founded with only three compounds, has sparked unrest and raised serious questions about the Governor’s role—or alleged support—in fueling local tensions. The Governor’s inaction lends credence to fears of tacit approval.
“The Itsekiri Nation will not sit idly by while political manipulations and ethnic bias threaten the stability of Warri South. We strongly reject any plot to remove the democratically elected Chairman on the basis of tribal sentiment. We demand fairness, justice, and the preservation of the peace we have all worked hard to maintain.
“We therefore call on:
“President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the rights of the Itsekiri people are protected.
“The Nigeria Police Force and HQ Nigerian Army to investigate the growing unrest and ensure peace is maintained.
“All stakeholders to stand for justice, equity, and unity in Delta State.
“Let this serve as a firm statement that the Itsekiri people will not tolerate any form of ethnic intimidation or politically motivated subversion of leadership in Warri South Local Government Area.”
