By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The Uvwie General Improvement Union (UGIU) has issued a strong warning to individuals it described as “misguided Itsekiris,” cautioning against what it called attempts to distort history and create tension in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking at a world press conference held on Friday in Effurun, the President-General of UGIU, Chief Hope Erute, said the peaceful disposition of the Uvwie people should not be mistaken for weakness, stressing that the kingdom would defend its heritage and territorial integrity if necessary.
“Our attention has been drawn to the fallacious and provocative claims being peddled by a few Itsekiri persons, alleging that they founded the historic communities of Ugbenuowhoru, Ugbomro, Okwatata and Iteregbi in Uvwie,” Erute stated.
He said the claims were reportedly made during a recent cultural festival of the Itsekiri nation, where a narrative was presented suggesting that the communities were founded by Itsekiris.
While noting that Uvwie people typically avoid engaging in “folktales,” Erute said the union was compelled to respond in order to correct what he described as persistent falsehoods.
Providing historical context, the UGIU president-general argued that even accounts cited by the Itsekiri narrative acknowledged existing Uvwie roots in the disputed communities. He maintained that individuals referenced in those accounts were received as settlers rather than founders.
Erute further asserted that Ugbenuowhoru, Iteregbi, Okwatata and Ugbomro are integral parts of Uvwie Kingdom, explaining that some of the settlements evolved through migration and intermarriage, particularly involving maternal ties between Uvwie and Itsekiri families.
He also referenced historical events involving the Itsekiri leader King Nana, noting that he had maternal links to Uvwie and reportedly sought refuge in the area during conflicts with British forces in the late 19th century.
The UGIU leader emphasized that Uvwie and Itsekiri people have a long history of peaceful coexistence, intermarriage and economic cooperation, but warned that “grandstanding and fictional narratives” could undermine that relationship.
“We do not seek conflict with any neighbour,” Erute said. “However, we demand a cease and desist from narratives that falsely lay claim to Uvwie communities.”
He called on the Delta State Government and security agencies to monitor the situation and intervene where necessary to prevent a breakdown of peace in the area.
Reaffirming the position of the union, Erute declared that the communities in question “are, and will always remain, integral and indivisible parts of Uvwie Kingdom,” while urging all parties to focus on peaceful coexistence and development.
The Uvwie General Improvement Union (UGIU) has issued a strong warning to individuals it described as “misguided Itsekiris,” cautioning against what it called attempts to distort history and create tension in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking at a world press conference held on Friday in Effurun, the President-General of UGIU, Chief Hope Erute, said the peaceful disposition of the Uvwie people should not be mistaken for weakness, stressing that the kingdom would defend its heritage and territorial integrity if necessary.
“Our attention has been drawn to the fallacious and provocative claims being peddled by a few Itsekiri persons, alleging that they founded the historic communities of Ugbenuowhoru, Ugbomro, Okwatata and Iteregbi in Uvwie,” Erute stated.
He said the claims were reportedly made during a recent cultural festival of the Itsekiri nation, where a narrative was presented suggesting that the communities were founded by Itsekiris.
While noting that Uvwie people typically avoid engaging in “folktales,” Erute said the union was compelled to respond in order to correct what he described as persistent falsehoods.
Providing historical context, the UGIU president-general argued that even accounts cited by the Itsekiri narrative acknowledged existing Uvwie roots in the disputed communities. He maintained that individuals referenced in those accounts were received as settlers rather than founders.
Erute further asserted that Ugbenuowhoru, Iteregbi, Okwatata and Ugbomro are integral parts of Uvwie Kingdom, explaining that some of the settlements evolved through migration and intermarriage, particularly involving maternal ties between Uvwie and Itsekiri families.
He also referenced historical events involving the Itsekiri leader King Nana, noting that he had maternal links to Uvwie and reportedly sought refuge in the area during conflicts with British forces in the late 19th century.
The UGIU leader emphasized that Uvwie and Itsekiri people have a long history of peaceful coexistence, intermarriage and economic cooperation, but warned that “grandstanding and fictional narratives” could undermine that relationship.
“We do not seek conflict with any neighbour,” Erute said. “However, we demand a cease and desist from narratives that falsely lay claim to Uvwie communities.”
He called on the Delta State Government and security agencies to monitor the situation and intervene where necessary to prevent a breakdown of peace in the area.
Reaffirming the position of the union, Erute declared that the communities in question “are, and will always remain, integral and indivisible parts of Uvwie Kingdom,” while urging all parties to focus on peaceful coexistence and development.
