By Ambrose Ologide
The Urhobos of Warri have disassociated themselves from the Soccer Tournament of Olu of Warri .
The Warri Urhobo individuals and groups were reacting to a news item in the sport page of Pointer edition of Friday 4th August 2023 where Warri Urhobo Kingdoms of Agbarha and Okere ( including some of their communities ) were grouped as teams that will compete in a soccer tournament marking the 2nd year anniversary of the Olu of Warri , His Majesty Atuwatse III.
The Chairman of Agbarha Warri Sports Development Council , Mr Joseph Ugbejevun reacted that the leadership of Agbarha Warri kingdom was never consulted by organisers of the said soccer tournament.
Ugbejevun who doubles as the Assistant Secretary of the famous Agbarha Warri League , affirmed that the President General of Agbarha Warri kingdom Chief Emmanuel Ememu JP was not aware of any invitation from the organisers of the soccer tournament.
He therefore stated that any person or group that was part taking in the soccer tournament was not representing Agbarha Warri kingdom.
The President of Okere Urhobo Development Movement , Comrade Brume Eyekpimi spoke in the same vein.
” They ( the Itsekiris ) have never identified with Warri Urhobos both at times of mourning and joy ” he added
The immediate past President of Okere Urhobo Development Movement , Comrade Cyril Eboh who also expressed bitterness over the matter, noted that the organisers were only trying to get cheap publicity with their alleged unauthorised inclusion of Warri Urhobos.
While a Warri Urhobo renowned activist and patriot , Elder Arues Ideh stated that ” We ( Warri Urhobos ) have always wanted to live in peace with our neighbours.
” That was why our late monarchs , Ememoh 11 and Okumagba 11 when they were alive sent a combined delegation on a condolence visit to the Itsekiris on the demise of Ikenwoli 1st .
” But the Itsekiris monarch did not reciprocate the gesture on the demise of Ememoh 11 and Okumagba 11 neither did the Itsekiris partake in the rites of passage of the respected Warri Urhobo monarchs particularly in the soccer tournaments .
