The Itsekiri Young Elites (IYE) has cautioned prominent Itsekiri leader, Ayiri Emami, against what it described as the politicisation of tragedy, following the killing of Mr Emiko Onuwaje in Ogidigben, Warri Kingdom, Delta State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the leadership of the group, led by its President, Comrade Lily-white O. Esigbone, and Secretary, Comrade Eboma Tuoyo Michael, faulted what it called a deliberate campaign of misinformation aimed at dragging the Palace of the Olu of Warri into the unfortunate incident.
The group accused Ayiri Emami of exploiting the death of Onuwaje to malign the revered traditional institution.
IYE stated that allegations circulating in sections of the media suggesting the Palace was complicit in the killing or attempting to shield suspects were false, malicious, and reckless.
According to the group, the Palace of the Olu of Warri had no involvement whatsoever in the circumstances of the death of the deceased on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Describing the development as insensitive and dangerous, IYE warned that using a moment of collective grief to attack the Olu of Warri’s Palace could undermine peace and stability in Itsekiri land.
The group stressed that the Palace remains a symbol of unity, justice and moral authority among the Itsekiri people and should not be dragged into political or personal vendettas.
The group further clarified that at the time the allegations were being spread, the Palace was engaged in long-planned and widely publicised cultural activities, including the Ghighọ́n Aghọ́fẹn celebrations and the installation of new chiefs.
It said the events were conducted peacefully and strictly in line with Itsekiri customs, noting that it was dishonest to link them with later incidents that reportedly occurred in Ogidigben.
IYE also alleged that some individuals, driven by personal grievances, had mobilised youths to Ogidigben intending to destabilising the community and targeting individuals perceived to be loyal to the Palace.
It expressed concern that Ayiri Emami allegedly ignored the destruction of properties worth millions of naira belonging to palace supporters and Chief John Deji Okpeyo, while accusing Chief Captain John Deji Okpeyo, who was reportedly in Warri at the time—of masterminding violence in his ancestral home.
While expressing sympathy to the family of the deceased, IYE warned that weaponising the tragedy could plunge Warri Kingdom into an avoidable crisis.
The group called on the Federal Government to order a thorough and transparent investigation into both the killing and the destruction of property, urged the Delta State Government to strengthen security in the area, and reaffirmed its confidence in the Olu of Warri and his Palace.
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