By Sunday Apah
The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has vehemently cautioned Itsekiri indigenes masquerading as community leaders before multinational oil corporations and prominent local operators.
These self-styled representatives, who embezzle funds designated for the advancement of their land and people into personal accounts, are hereby ordered to immediately cease such treacherous conduct in their own best interests.
Addressing his subjects at Jakpa—an ancestral stronghold of the Iwere Kingdom located in Warri North Local Government Area—following an inspection alongside media personnel of Chevron Nigeria Limited’s oil installations, the Monarch firmly declared that complacency and complicity will no longer be tolerated within his jurisdiction.
Clearly dismayed by the widespread deprivation and neglect afflicting his people across these communities, the Royal Father unleashed a scathing rebuke against the indigenous collaborators.
He accused them of betraying their brethren by feigning leadership before oil firms while clandestinely sacrificing the collective destiny of the Itsekiri nation to satisfy selfish ambitions.
In his own words: “Oil companies, whether foreign or domestic, exploit us only because those who present themselves as leaders among us willingly barter our shared future for personal profit. No external entity can subjugate us unless an insider deliberately unbars the gates.”
He went on to say, “These so-called leaders worship but one master—their own insatiable greed. This idolatry condemns the land to ruin. Clad in the guise of leadership, their avarice leaves the common people vulnerable to exploitation.”
“These impostors function as middlemen, enriching themselves by sowing dissent between our people, the oil corporations, and government,” the Monarch asserted.
Ogiame Atuwatse III declared that the kingdom will no longer stand idle as these greedy usurpers continue to don false masks of leadership and facilitate the exploitation of the Itsekiri nation on the global stage.
“We have endured these charlatans and opportunists long enough—those who manipulate and trade in the name of our people,” he proclaimed.
The Olu of Warri threatened dire consequences for those self-serving collaborators who place personal gain above the welfare of Itsekiri children and their communities, urging immediate repentance to avert ruin.
“To every Itsekiri collaborator who persists in sacrificing our future for selfish advantage, take heed: if you refuse to amend your ways, you shall become the Jonah in every boat you board,” he warned ominously.
He reaffirmed that the epoch of tolerance for such elements is over. A new era demands transparency, unity, and accountability if the Itsekiri nation is to progress.
The Monarch also expressed profound gratitude to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commendable developmental initiatives within the Itsekiri nation, notably the ongoing construction of the Trans-Ode Itsekiri Road, urging continuation of such exemplary efforts.
He extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his attentive drive toward advancing the coastal regions of Nigeria.
In a related interview, Tuoyo Alaba, President of the Tebu Community Youth, lamented the persistent hardships despite Chevron’s presence in the area and implored Governor Oborevwori and Chevron to render urgent assistance.
Nonetheless, Alaba conveyed optimism that the recent visit by the Olu of Warri would herald transformative improvements for the people.
The event culminated in vibrant traditional dances, songs honoring the Monarch, and homage ceremonies by diverse communities expressing their deep appreciation for the royal visit.
