The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has reaffirmed the Yoruba identity of the Itsekiri people, describing them as descendants of Oduduwa. He stressed the importance of unity, saying that both groups share a common heritage and must stand together, as “what affects Itsekiri also affects the entire Yoruba people.”
Oba Owoade made these remarks during a courtesy visit to his palace in Oyo town by a delegation of Warri chiefs and other Itsekiri dignitaries, led by the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatsereuleghe. He expressed gratitude for their visit, calling it a meaningful return to the ancestral home of the Itsekiri.
The visiting delegation included Chief Barr Robinson Ariyo, the Egogo Iwere of Warri Kingdom; Chief Roland Oritseajafor, the Ogwa of Warri Kingdom; Chief Omotolubi Newuwumi, the Omotamudieyi of Warri Kingdom; and Prince Benson Onuwaje, CEO of Emirate Logistics, which was recently recognised as the Best Security Company in Nigeria by the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), a coalition of 130 civil society organisations nationwide.
Acknowledging the longstanding relationship between the Yoruba and Itsekiri, the Alaafin emphasised that both groups share a history filled with mutual hopes and challenges. He said this connection calls for collaboration and unity.
He recalled his time spent in Warri during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, which gave him valuable insight into the culture and values of the Itsekiri people.
“We are bound by blood. What affects you affects the entire Yoruba people. We have the same history, shared fears and aspirations. We need to work together as one people driven by the same history and destiny,” the Alaafin said.
In his remarks, Chief Amatsereuleghe conveyed warm greetings from the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, and the Warri Kingdom. He described the visit as a significant step towards deepening ties between the Itsekiri and the Yoruba, noting their shared ancestry.
He also commended Oba Owoade for his effective leadership so early into his reign, explaining that their visit was partly to congratulate him on his new role as a leading traditional authority in Yorubaland and beyond.
Chief Amatsereuleghe highlighted the longstanding political and economic marginalisation of the Itsekiri people in Delta State, saying the community has endured decades of hardship. However, he expressed hope that the Alaafin’s emergence comes at a pivotal moment, and that his influence could help unify the descendants of Oduduwa and foster peace and prosperity.
“There is no ambiguity about our Yoruba origin. This is a fact we know. It is evident in our location in Delta, in our language, our culture and the folklore handed over by our forefathers,” he said.
