Arrest Otuaro Over INEC Delineation Plot -Chief Emami

Warri billionaire and APC Chieftain, Chief Ayirimi Emami has urged the Federal Government to arrest the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, over a controversial boundary adjustment that allegedly removed several Itsekiri communities from a federally protected buffer zone.

Chief Emami accused Otuaro of overseeing the adjustment, which he says stripped Ugborodo and other Itsekiri areas from the 500-metre Deepsea Buffer Zone.

Speaking in Warri on Wednesday, Chief Emami claimed the adjustments were being used to rename and reallocate historically Itsekiri lands under the guise of federal surveillance activities and electoral ward realignments by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“If there’s law in Nigeria, all those who participated in the boundary adjustment should be arrested.” Chief Emami said.

“I have told people not to worry about the INEC ward delineation. Everything they’ve done has been nullified by the present gazette,” the APC Chieftain told supporters in Warri disclosing that he had raised the matter with National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Speaking further, Chief Emami warned against internal divisions within the Itsekiri nation accusing some chiefs of undermining the interests of the Warri kingdom.

“There are those wearing white robes as Itsekiri chiefs who are destroying the nation from within,” he said, referencing social media posts and past political rivalries.

“If there is problem in Itsekiri, we quickly unite as one. If there’s no enemy inside, the enemy outside can’t do anything. When I was supporting Asiwaju in the beginning, they were going against me, now that the President has emerged, they want to come in and be on the dance floor. Atuwatse II thought me politics.

He also alleged that some political figures, including former associates, attempted to manipulate the succession process following the death of the late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

Despite tracing his heritage to Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, and Ilaje communities, Chief Emami stressed the importance of ethnic boundaries being respected. “All the lands they are talking about from Omadino to Ugborodo, have been settled in the Supreme Council, now known as Supreme Court.” Chief Emami stated.

“I’m showing you federal government gazette, if you’re truthful, you won’t lie as a traditional worshiper, just as I’m worshipping good ancestors.”

“I will not give what belongs to Itsekiri to Urhobo, or what belongs to Ijaw to Itsekiri or Ilaje,” he said.

“Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo should not beat the drums of war. The eclipse of the sun cannot be witnessed by one person.” He warned.

Former deputy governor, Otuaro is yet to respond.