By Dr. Ejiro Imuere
Introduction:
In the wake of recent transformative events surrounding prominent burials in Warri South LGA, a revelation has emerged, challenging the status quo and igniting a call to action. With unwavering determination, it is imperative for the Itsekiri community to safeguard their heritage and propel their beloved city into an extraordinary future.
Unveiling a Startling Truth: Reclaiming Warri’s Authenticity
With each passing moment, the undeniable truth becomes evident: a staggering 80% of today’s “Warri city” lies within Urhobo territories. The long-standing narrative of artificial oppression, fueled by colonial and post-colonial connections, has proven futile against the unwavering resilience of truth. The time has come for falsehood to succumb to unyielding realities.
Challenging Preconceived Notions: Liberating Warri from Overlordship
The purported overlordship of the Olu of Warri stands exposed as highly overrated, confined to mere pockets on the city’s outskirts. The recent burials have spoken volumes, as bustling marketplaces like Igbudu, Ibo, Main Market, D.B.S Edjeba, and Robinson Plaza remained unaffected during the burial of the Okere Urhobo Kingdom king. Likewise, Okere market, Polokor market, and Okumagba Avenue stores steadfastly operated during the Ovie of Agbarha’s burial. It is evident that the inhabitants recognize their true king and overlord.
Embracing Warri’s Resurgence: Preserving the Name and Heritage
To secure the esteemed name of Warri, urgent measures must be taken. The Itsekiri community must construct a bridge from Warri to Ode Itsekiri, even if the State or Federal Government refuses to act. Leveraging their fabled personal wealth, they can pave the way for progress.
Empowering the Future: Building a Foundation of Excellence
Simultaneously, the establishment of a distinguished university in Ode Itsekiri will solidify its prominence as an academic powerhouse. Additionally, the closure and relocation of the Ugbori palace back to Ode Itsekiri, restoring historical integrity, will symbolize a triumphant return to its roots.
Revitalizing Ode Itsekiri: A Vision of Prosperity
To ensure a lasting legacy, the Itsekiri Nation should unite their global network of accomplished individuals. Allocating a plot of land in Ode Itsekiri to each of the 50,000 Itsekiri millionaires, with a mandatory requirement to construct magnificent storey buildings, will transform the landscape into a testament of prosperity and architectural marvels.
The Birth of a New Warri: Forging Unity and Progress
Upon completion of these transformative steps, the iconic name of Ode Itsekiri can rightfully be renamed “Warri.” The bridge, symbolizing unity, will eradicate the divide, rendering the erstwhile “Big Warri” obsolete. Wado City will rise, erasing the remnants of the past.
A Promising Future: Shifting the Epicenter of Warri South LGA
With the realization of this vision, the Warri South LGA headquarters should be permanently relocated to Ode Itsekiri, solidifying its status as the beating heart of the region’s progress.
Closing: It is time to focus on the development of our respective cities. Let us forge ahead, united in our aspirations, without impeding each other’s progress.
Further exemplifying this unyielding loyalty, Okere market, Polokor market, and the myriad of Okumagba Avenue stores stood defiantly open during the burial of the Ovie of Agbarha. These unmistakable signs reaffirm the inhabitants’ resolute recognition of their true king and overlord.
Embracing Progress: A Vision for a Transformed Warri
To safeguard the illustrious name of Warri, the Itsekiri community must embark on a transformative journey. By constructing a bridge connecting Ode Itsekiri to Warri, they will not only unite both regions but also establish an undeniable symbol of progress and prosperity. Should the state or federal government hesitate, the Itsekiri community’s fabled personal wealth can rise to the occasion.
Empowering the Future: Education and Infrastructure
In parallel with this monumental endeavor, the establishment of a prestigious university within the new territory of Ode Itsekiri will solidify its prominence as a center of knowledge and excellence. Simultaneously, the permanent closure and relocation of the Ugbori palace back to Ode Itsekiri, as it stood prior to 1952, will restore the historical integrity and grandeur of the Itsekiri Nation.
Revitalizing Ode Itsekiri: A Vision of Prosperity
To foster an enduring legacy, the Itsekiri Nation must identify and unite their worldwide network of accomplished individuals, enlisting their support in a remarkable initiative. Allocating a plot of land in Ode Itsekiri for each of the 50,000 Itsekiri millionaires, with an obligation to construct a magnificent storey building, will transform the landscape into a captivating tapestry of prosperity and architectural brilliance.
The Birth of a New Warri: An Unprecedented Transformation
With these transformative steps in place, the iconic name of Ode Itsekiri can rightfully be renamed “Warri.” As the bridge symbolically unites both regions, the erstwhile “Warri” belonging to the Itsekiris will become a tiny area, a mere shadow of the real Warri. The preservation of War