THE President of Agbarha Warri Socio Cultural Association, Agbarha Warri League, Mr Joseph Ugbejevun has stated that the use of the phrase ‘ Agbarha Warri kingdom ‘ was in order.
He stated this while reacting to the outburst of Itsekiri Historical Front on the use of the phrase as aired by most media houses.
Ugbejevun, who spoke to newsmen in Warri, pointed out that there are two Agbarha kingdoms in Urhobo Nation and that one is in Ughelli North Local Government Area known as ‘ Agbarha – Otor and the other one is in Warri South Local Government Area known as Agbarha Warri.
He therefore posited that the phrase was used to differentiate the Agbarha kingdoms in Urhobo Nation.
Ugbejevun, however, quickly pointed out that the used of the phrase was not the exclusive right of the Itsekiri as claimed by the Itsekiri Historical Front as posited that the Ogbe – Ijoh people also used the phrase ‘ Ogbe – Ijoh Warri Kingdom.
He also posited that Agbarha Warri kingdom was gazetted by the military administration of Col Walter Feghabor (Retired), who he said presented a staff of office to the past traditional ruler of Agbarha Warri kingdom, HRM London Aforkerhi Itu, Ememoh 11 (of blessed memory) in 1998.
Ugbejevun pointed out that HRM Ememoh was known, addressed and called the Ovie of Agbarha Warri kingdom throughout his reign for 24 years’ glorious years without any opposition from the Itsekiris, wondering why the Itsekiris Historical Front was now opposed to the phrase ‘ Agbarha Warri kingdom ‘
Ugbejevun, who reasoned that the members of Itsekiri Historical Front were probably overwhelmed by the publicity given to the presentation of staff of office to Igbi 11 and were also scared of his emergence, called on government and indeed the general public to ignore the claims of the Itsekiri Historical Front.
The President of Agbarha Warri Warri League stated that it was wrong to address the entire Agbarha Warri kingdom as Agbassa as he listed the seven communities that comprised the ancient Urhobo Kingdom to include: Otovwodo (Agbassa), Ogunu, Igbudu, Edjeba, Okurode (Ekurede-Urhobo) Ukpokiti (riverine) and Oteghele (riverine).
He stated that government and general public should know those that are fanning the embers of discord among the indigenous ethnic groups in Warri.
