Chief Ayirimi Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, has asked President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Inspector-General of Police and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to arrest former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro. He made this appeal during an event hosted by the Ologbotsere Descendants Worldwide titled “The Day Ologbotsere Descendants Returned from the Battlefield.”
Chief Ayiri accused Otuaro of triggering tensions between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities by allegedly manipulating boundary adjustments while serving in the previous administration under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. According to him, these adjustments unfairly excluded many Itsekiri communities from vital coastal areas, stripping them of access to offshore benefits. He believes this exclusion has deepened ethnic divisions and fueled the ongoing crisis.
The traditional leader called for a thorough investigation into the boundary changes and urged that Otuaro be held accountable for what he described as fraudulent actions. He presented documents to support his claims and said the documents have already been submitted to the National Security Adviser. In his words, the boundary exercise was not just flawed but designed to oppress the Itsekiri people.
He also linked the controversy to the proposed ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the Itsekiri have made their position known and will not remain silent while their rights are undermined. He appealed to the Itsekiri community worldwide to stay united and steadfast in demanding justice.
Reaffirming his dedication to his people, Chief Ayiri described his Ologbotsere title as a lifelong commitment to serve. He emphasized that he would not watch silently while misinformation distorts the history and entitlements of the Itsekiri. His message was clear: no one should underestimate the strength of the Itsekiri nation.
The call for action has added new urgency to the long-standing boundary and political disputes in Delta State.
