A coalition of 130 Yoruba socio-political and professional organizations, operating under the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to address rising tensions in the Niger Delta, particularly concerning the Itsekiri community in the Warri Federal Constituency.
At a press briefing in Lagos, AYDM leaders, including General Secretary Popoola Ajayi, Mr. Wale Osun, and Chief Kunle Oshodi, raised concerns over what they described as the continued political and economic marginalization of the Itsekiri people. The group also appealed to National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to collaborate with the President in addressing the issue.
The coalition accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of attempting to redraw electoral ward boundaries in a manner that diminishes the Itsekiri population’s political influence. According to AYDM, the proposed changes reduce the number of recognized Itsekiri wards from 10 to six, while increasing wards for the Ijaw and Urhobo communities.
AYDM warned that this move, along with the alleged disregard for court rulings affirming the Itsekiri’s traditional ward structure and the transfer of local government offices to non-Itsekiri areas, could spark renewed ethnic conflict in a region historically marked by unrest.
The group further alleged that pipeline surveillance contracts in Itsekiri territories had been awarded to companies viewed as antagonistic to the community, and that sacred Itsekiri sites had been violated by security personnel acting on behalf of other interests.
AYDM demanded the immediate cancellation of these contracts and called for a federal inquiry into INEC’s delineation activities in the Warri Federal Constituency. They also pressed for the enforcement of judicial decisions and the prosecution of INEC and boundary commission officials involved in what they termed a “grand conspiracy” to marginalize the Itsekiri people.
The coalition emphasized the longstanding autonomy and cultural significance of the Itsekiri Kingdom, stating that efforts to undermine their political and demographic presence were in violation of constitutional rights and judicial precedents.
“This is not solely an Itsekiri concern,” AYDM declared. “It is a national matter involving justice, equity, and the rule of law. The Yoruba nation stands united in opposing any form of injustice against our kin.”