Urhobo, Itsekiri, Youths In Loggerhead Over Land Dispute, Olu’s Coronation Celebration













Urhobo, Itsekiri,  Youths In Loggerhead Over Land Dispute, Olu’s Coronation Celebration


By Editor 


Warri, Delta State, was thrown into chaos as violent clashes erupted between Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youths over renewed land claims and a disputed cultural celebration.

According to The Nation, trouble started on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as unrest began around midday in Warri South Local Government Area when Agbarha youths allegedly attempted to obstruct an Itsekiri procession marking the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri.

Eyewitnesses reported that chants of “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”) from the Itsekiri procession ignited a fierce response from Agbarha youths, sparking violence.


The confrontation quickly spread to Ibo and Okere market areas, forcing traders to shut down abruptly.

Viral social media videos showed mobs from both sides armed with cutlasses, planks, and stones.


Security operatives deployed to the scene fired gunshots to disperse the crowds, leaving several participants with gunshot wounds.

The actual number of casualties remained unclear at press time.


Analysts warned that the clash risked deepening historical tensions between the two ethnic groups, who have long been locked in disputes over land ownership and territorial claims.

Similar skirmishes occurred earlier this year during the Supreme Court-ordered Warri Federal Constituency delineation exercise in April, when both sides clashed over boundary demarcations.


As of Saturday evening, the chairman of Warri South Local Government Council has not issued an immediate response, drawing criticism from observers who accused authorities of failing to adopt proactive measures despite repeated warnings of possible unrest.

Confirming the crisis, spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, said: “The incident is confirmed, but there are no casualties.”


A video obtained by The Story, of injured Urhobos in an undisclosed hospital confirmed violence in the area.

The violent outbreak once again underscores the fragile peace in Warri, a city historically defined by ethnic rivalries, oil wealth disputes, and recurrent clashes over land ownership.


The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, through the Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon,has since called for calm, urging stakeholders to prioritize peace and unity in the interest of Warri’s development.

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