Warri Delineation Dispute Deepens as Itsekiri Communities Demand Ijala Ward

Four oil-producing Itsekiri communities in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have demanded the creation of a separate electoral ward, known as Ijala Ward, in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s ongoing ward delineation exercise for the Warri Federal Constituency.

The communities, Ifiekporo, Aja-Etan, Ikeren, and Utunwa, under the umbrella of the Ijala communities, made the demand during a press conference held on Sunday in Ifiekporo.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Pa Michael Domino said the call for a separate ward was based on the area’s population growth, economic importance, and contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

According to him, continued inclusion under the existing Obodo/Omadino Ward amounts to political marginalisation despite the area’s strategic relevance.

“Our demand for the creation of Ijala Ward from the existing Obodo/Omadino Ward is a legitimate cause because we have the numerical and economic strength to become a stand-alone ward,” the statement said.

The communities argued that they host critical oil and gas infrastructure, including facilities operated by Conoil and Seplat, the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Obodo Flow Station, and several petroleum depots and tank farms.

They expressed disappointment that despite INEC’s field assessments during the delineation exercise, the area was not considered for a separate ward.

Warning of possible action if their demand is ignored, Domino said the communities would not hesitate to disrupt operations at key oil facilities within their territory.

“We can assure Nigerians that we will not shy away from shutting down critical oil fields and depots if INEC fails to allot the much-deserved Ijala Ward to us,” he said.

The statement further declared: “For us, allotting Ijala Ward to us from what INEC is proposing is non-negotiable, and it is now or never; otherwise, we will speak the only language the Federal Government understands, crippling the economy.”

Also speaking, youth representative of Aja-Etan community, Tuoyo Ebigbeyi, reiterated the warning, insisting that residents were prepared to halt activities at strategic oil installations.

“We will shut down Obodo Flow Station, we will shut down the Refinery Jetty, and no vessel will come there. Anything short of giving us the ward will not be accepted,” Ebigbeyi declared.

The demand adds a fresh dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding INEC’s ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency, which comprises Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West local government areas.

The delineation process followed a Supreme Court judgment ordering a fresh review of electoral wards and polling units across the three councils.