General News
OKPE UNION CALLS ON ITSEKIRI LEADERS TO HONOR 1943 LAND JUDGEMENT, END TERRITORIAL CLAIMS
The Okpe Union has issued a strong advisory to Itsekiri leaders, urging them to honor a 1943 West African Court of Appeal (WACA) judgement and desist from what it describes as bogus claims on Okpe territories. In a New Year Message to the Okpe Nation, the union decried a blatant demonstration of reckless expansionism by some Itsekiris.
Prof Igho Natufe, President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, presented the message. He stated, “As a nationality that prides itself as a respecter of the rule of law and court judgements, one would expect the Itsekiri Nation to honour the 1943 WACA judgement and desist from all their bogus claims on Okpe territories.”
The union accused Itsekiri leaders of renaming sections where they were historically allowed to reside as refugees with Itsekiri names. Examples provided include changing Etamua to Ogunaja, Amua Ogodo to Aja Ogodo, and a part of Amuokpe to Aja-Sagay.
The message expressed deep concern over the actions of some Itsekiri elements. “The settler equates himself to the indigenes. The Okpe Union demands that Itsekiri leadership call to order these Itsekiri elements who denigrate the sovereignty of the Okpe Nation over its territories. The case of the Itsekiri threat in Sapele should be of serious concern to all Okpe people,” it stated.
The union referenced a Delta State Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve in 2020, established by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Administration. It said the claims by Itsekiris of Abigborodo, Obotie and others to indigenous communities in Okpe land were rubbished by the published Record of Proceedings of that Commission.
According to the union, the territorial boundary between Okpe land and Itsekiriland is clearly defined by natural features. “The territorial boundary between Okpe land and Itsekiriland is the stretch of the Hole in the Wall Creek, the tributary that extends into between Sapele and Abigborodo over which the Emmanuel Uduaghan Administration constructed a bridge, to Obotie-Ugbukurusu, to Ikeresan, to Elume River, to Erogho water side, and finally to the water boundary between Ughoton and Omadino over which the James Ibori Administration constructed the Ughoton-Omadino Bridge,” the union clarified. It emphasized that the Itsekiris and the Okpes do not have any land boundaries.
The union called on the Okpe Traditional Council and political leaders, especially the chairmen of the Sapele Local Government Council and the Okpe Local Government Council and representatives in the Delta State House of Assembly, to stand up to their responsibilities as defenders of Okpe sovereignty.
It provided historical context, referencing the Itsekiri civil war known as the “Nana war” of 1894. “Recalling that we opened our doors to welcome Itsekiri fleeing from their civil war and offered them shelter, it now seems that our hospitality has become a curse… The Itsekiri civil war forced scores of Itsekiris to flee their lands and ‘ran for refuge to Sapele where they were granted refuge by the Okpe people’, the owners of Sapele. This was the judgement of the West African Court of Appeal,” the statement read.
The union urged Okpe political leaders, specifically naming Okakuro Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okakuro Senator Ede Dafinone, Hon. Ben Etanabene, Ekakuro James Augoye and Perkins Umukoro, to begin to articulate and promote Okpe interests in their respective portfolios.
While reaffirming a policy of peaceful coexistence, the union issued a firm warning. “However, let it be known that, by any legitimate means possible, we will strongly defend the territories of the Okpe Nation against intrusions by any ethnic nationality on our sovereignty. While non-Okpe nationals are welcome in Okpe villages and towns; they must not forget that they are guests and not owners of Okpe land.”
The union also proposed a name change for a community association. “The appellation ‘Sapele Okpe Community’ should be changed. It has no conceptual difference with the other ethnic communities in Sapele… A more positive name, for example, Sapele Indigenes Association should be considered as it connotes a definitive and positive meaning,” it concluded.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.