The Uvwie General Improvement Union has warned against what it described as provocative territorial claims by some Itsekiri individuals, insisting that the peaceful disposition of the Uvwie people should not be mistaken for weakness.
Addressing a world press conference in Effurun on Thursday, President-General of the union, Chief Hope Erute, rejected claims that the Itsekiri founded the communities of Ugbenuowhoru, Okwatata, Iteregbi, and Ugbomro in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Erute said the claims, allegedly made during a recent Itsekiri cultural festival, were historically inaccurate and capable of creating tension between both ethnic groups if not addressed.
“It is not in the character of the Uvwie people to respond to delusional folktales from neighbours, but silence in the face of repeated falsehood can be mistaken for consent,” he stated.
The UGIU President-General maintained that the communities in question are integral parts of Uvwie Kingdom, arguing that historical accounts and genealogical narratives even acknowledged Uvwie ancestry in some of the claims being advanced.
According to him, Ugbenuowhoru was originally a Uvwie settlement granted to maternal relations of Itsekiri descent who migrated into the area during periods of crisis, while Ugbomro was founded by Uwherume of the Abadi family in Erovie Quarters, Uvwie.
Erute accused some Itsekiri elements of attempting to distort history and “shop for favourable narratives” to support what he described as expansionist claims. He also referenced historical events surrounding the late King Nana of Itsekiri, whom he said had maternal roots in Uvwie and reportedly sought refuge in the kingdom during British persecution in the colonial era.
While reaffirming the long-standing relationship between both ethnic nationalities, including intermarriages and peaceful coexistence, the union warned against actions capable of threatening regional harmony.
“Uvwie Kingdom and the Itsekiri nation have enjoyed decades of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. However, attempts to falsely lay claim to Uvwie communities will not be tolerated,” Erute said.
He urged those “trying to foment trouble” to abandon divisive narratives and focus on development rather than territorial disputes, stressing that Ugbomro, Okwatata, Iteregbi, and Ugbenuowhoru “remain integral and indivisible parts of Uvwie Kingdom.”
The union also called on the Delta State Government and security agencies to closely monitor the situation and caution individuals making inflammatory statements capable of disrupting peace in the region.
