“The storm is building” - Gbaramatu leader warns of unrest as INEC withholds Warri delineation report

High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, JP, the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, has condemned INEC’s refusal to release the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and units in Warri Federal Constituency, warning that mounting frustration could trigger nationwide unrest.  

Speaking at a joint world press conference by Ijaw and Urhobo leaders on Monday, May 4, 2026, in Warri, Gbenekama said his people have been “starved politically and punished economically” and cannot participate in the electoral process INEC is preparing to commence.  

“We have been told that we cannot be voted for, neither can we vote for anybody in this process,” he said. “If we cannot exercise our rights as indigenes of Delta State, as indigenes of Africa and Nigeria, and the country looks the other way, while using the left hand to take our resources and feed this nation, then there will be consequences.”  

The traditional leader disclosed that elders and leaders had prevailed on youths and women to remain calm for nine months following assurances from the offices of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services that the matter would be resolved.  

“Nothing has happened. And the country still wants to feed this nation with our economic life,” Gbenekama said. “We are tired of talking to our youth. We are tired of talking to the women. The storm is building, and very soon it will blow this nation away.”  

Addressing potential security backlash, he added: “I don’t care how many times you invite me to the DSS office. If we cannot be fed from the resources that come from our place, nobody will eat or feed from those resources.”  

Gbenekama issued a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, referencing regional ties: “Mr. President, if you want to favour your in-laws, we are also your in-laws. You will not take our resources to feed your wife and your family. Our women will resist it. Our mothers will resist it. Our youth will resist it. Our leaders will resist it. Our kings are already resisting it. And we stand to resist it.”  

He concluded by warning that Ijaw and Urhobo communities were prepared for any outcome. “If it is that this nation will want to destroy, kill and name all leaders from Urhobo and Ijaw to ensure extraction from the Federal Constituency, we are ready to bear whatever brunt the government brings to us.”  

The press conference was convened by leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo nations in Warri Federal Constituency over INEC’s delay in implementing the Supreme Court judgment of December 2, 2022, which ordered fresh delineation of wards and polling units in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North LGAs.  

INEC has not issued a response to the latest statements. The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is ongoing nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.