In Nigeria’s Delta State, a controversy is brewing over the exclusion of the Urhobo people from a crucial meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, aims to address the contentious issue of electoral delineation in Warri South Local Government Area. At the heart of the matter is a petition letter signed by Chief Westham Adehor and Hon. Mark Ikputi, which protests the Urhobos’ exclusion from the meeting.
The petition, dated May 15, 2025, and seen by media outlets on Sunday in Abuja, expresses the Urhobos’ disappointment and frustration at being left out of the discussion. The letter emphasizes the importance of their representation, stating, “We, the undersigned Urhobos of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, write to protest our exclusion from the scheduled meeting with the National Security Adviser on the contentious INEC delineation exercise.” The Urhobos have historically been represented by Chief Adehor and Hon. Ikputi, who have also participated in several meetings with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Urhobos claim that the INEC report does not accurately reflect the situation on the ground, particularly regarding the boundaries between the Urhobo and Ijaw communities. They argue that the Ijaws are not part of Warri South Local Government Area but rather belong to the Agbarha areas. This disagreement has sparked a heated debate, with the Urhobos feeling marginalized and excluded from the decision-making process. The controversy gained momentum after a press conference held on May 2, 2025, which highlighted the delineation of wards and polling units in Warri South. Since then, the Urhobos have been excluded from meetings, prompting their appeal to be included in the forthcoming discussion with the National Security Adviser.
The Urhobos’ plea for inclusion is rooted in their desire for proper representation and a fair say in the decision-making process. As they stated, “We chose to be granted an audience to be part of this meeting for proper representation of our people.” The outcome of this meeting will likely have significant implications for the Urhobo community and the broader electoral landscape in Delta State. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Urhobos’ concerns will be heard and addressed, and what impact this will have on the region’s political future.
