Gbaramatu Kingdom Seeks Government Intervention Over Threats to Ijaghala and Ikantu Communities
The Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, has called on the Federal and State Governments to intervene in the alleged threats issued to the Ijaws in Ikantu and Ijaghala communities by a group believed to be from Itsekiri ethnic nationality.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday June 16, 2025, Chief Gbenekama expressed concern over the threat to sack the communities, emphasizing that the Ijaw people are peaceful but will not be intimidated.
“We the Ijaws will not fight the Itsekiri people, but they must leave the Ikantu and Ijaghala people alone,” Chief Gbenekama stated. “We are peaceful people, but if any Ikantu or Ijaghala indigenes are attacked by the Itsekiris because they traced their ancestral root to Gbaramatu Kingdom, the gods will fight for us.”
Chief Gbenekama cited the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, movement, and association, and urged those threatening the communities to stop.
He appealed to the government to prioritize citizens’ safety, referencing the gruesome killings in Benue.
The monarch also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the delineation of the Warri federal constituency, citing the need for peace and progress in the area.
Additionally, he called on the state government to apprehend gun runners in the constituency, alleging they were preparing to harm Ijaws in Gbaramatu Kingdom and other Ijaw kingdoms.
