Obodo Community Rejects Gbaramatu Land Claims, Issues Stern Warning

Leaders of the Obodo Community in Warri South Local Government Area have issued a stern warning following what they termed provocative and false claims by individuals in the neighbouring Gbaramatu Kingdom over the ownership of their land.

Prominent Ijaw figures, including ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, and Gbaramatu spokesperson Godspower Gbenekama, had made statements claiming that Obodo is part of the Gbaramatu Clan.

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Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Eyantse Emmanuel, the spokesperson for the Obodo Elders’ Council, stated that these claims are not only historically inaccurate but also risk inciting tribal conflict between the Ijaw and Itsekiri people.

Eyantse stressed that Obodo is historically an Itsekiri community, founded in the early 16th century under the overlordship of the Olu of Warri.

The community also dismissed allegations that an Ijaw ancestor, Owezibiri, was buried in Obodo as false and culturally offensive. According to the statement, such claims are driven by greed and selfish interests, intended to incite chaos and increase tribal tensions in the region and Delta State as a whole.

“This is totally false and an aberration to the norms of our community, as people without ancestral links to our community cannot be buried in the community.”

While affirming peaceful coexistence with the Ijaw nation, Obodo warned that any further aggression or territorial claims from Gbaramatu elements would be met with firm resistance.

“We do not have any grievances or issues with the Ijaw nation. But we will resist and retaliate against any act of violence or insubordination coming from the Ijaws of the Gbaramatu Clan or any other group making such claims that threaten the peace, safety, and security of Obodo Community and its territories.”

They urged security agencies, President Bola Tinubu, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene urgently to prevent potential conflict.

The community further issued a stern warning to Tompolo and his associates to refrain from inflammatory actions or face serious consequences.