The leadership of Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has firmly rejected claims linking the community to the Gbaramatu Kingdom, asserting its identity as an integral part of the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.
In a statement signed by Prince Preye Okrikpa, Chairman of the Odidi Federated Community, and made available to journalists in Warri, the community described recent claims by a group known as the Kantu Working Committee as “misleading and historically inaccurate.”
“Odidi is a Federated Community under the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom,” the statement declared, adding that any assertions to the contrary are deliberate attempts to distort facts and sow confusion among Ijaw communities in the region.
The community leaders expressed particular concern over the potential misuse of the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation process, warning that it must not be exploited as a means to annex communities or alter traditional boundaries.
“We caution that INEC’s ward delineation exercise should not become a tool for reassigning communities under false pretenses. Odidi has always belonged to Ogbe-Ijoh Ward 1, Unit 22, and any move suggesting otherwise is unacceptable,” the statement noted.
The community also addressed claims that Ugbanabou falls within Odidi Federated Community, stating categorically that this is incorrect and should be disregarded.
Reaffirming their cultural and historical roots, the Odidi leaders emphasized that their traditions, governance structures, and communal identity are distinct and must be respected.
“We are proud of our heritage and will not allow anyone to undermine our identity. Odidi has a rich history within the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom that we cherish and defend,” the statement read.
The community called on the Kantu Working Committee and its backers to desist from spreading misinformation that could ignite unnecessary conflict and disrupt peaceful coexistence among Ijaw communities.
“We urge all parties, including our brothers in Gbaramatu, to respect our stated position and join hands in fostering mutual respect, understanding, and unity as part of the larger Ijaw family in Delta State,” the statement said.
