Itsekiris Win as Court Dismisses Urhobo Ward Suit

The Federal High Court sitting in Warri has today struck out a long-running legal challenge by members of the Urhobo ethnic group over ward delineation in Warri, handing a legal victory to the Itsekiri community.

The case, filed in 2020 by Chief Isaac Emufuonye and 11 others, sought to challenge the creation of ward by the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) in Warri South.

However, the court ruled against the Urhobo applicants on the basis that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over matters concerning state electoral laws and DSIEC’s actions, which fall under the Delta State High Court’s authority. This position was argued by the Itsekiri legal team led by Chief Robinson Ariyo, who filed a successful preliminary objection against the suit in 2020.

Following the Judge’s ruling, the suit has been struck out and the court awarded ₦200,000 in costs against the Urhobo side to the Itsekiri parties.

Observers say the suit was an attempt to delay the lawful enforcement of electoral boundaries reflecting judicial decisions and protect ethnic interests in Warri’s politically sensitive ward delineation.

Representing the Itsekiris in court were prominent leaders including Chief (Dr.) Roland Oritsejafor, Chief (Dr.) Joseph Otumara, Hon. Oritsegbubemi Kpenosen, and Mr. Phillip Eyeyi, with Chief Robinson Ariyo leading the legal arguments.