Warri, Delta State — The Warri Strategic Forum (WSF), an Itsekiri socio-political group, has dismissed the recent peace appeal made by the Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), insisting that any genuine peace effort must be anchored on the rule of law.
Speaking in Koko, Delta State, the group’s representative, Professor Lucky Akaruese, stated that while the Itsekiri people welcome all sincere moves toward peace, they will not accept any process initiated by those who disregard judicial rulings.
According to Akaruese, “It is sufficient to say that the Itsekiri people are open to all genuine peace efforts, but we will not submit to any peace initiative led by individuals or groups who have consistently defied the rule of law and ignored court judgments. A peace call from habitual violators of lawful orders is an affront to justice and civilized values.”
He emphasized that peace without justice and adherence to legal standards amounts to “a peace of the graveyard.”
The Urhobo Renaissance Society had earlier proposed a peace meeting involving the Olu of Warri, the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo, the Ovie of Agbarha Kingdom, and the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh. However, the Itsekiri group questioned the neutrality of URS, arguing that it lacked the moral and legal credibility to mediate in matters affecting Warri’s heritage and territorial rights.
“The URS has not shown the impartiality or objectivity required to convene or facilitate discussions about the rights and heritage of the Itsekiri Nation of Warri Kingdom. Those who disobey court rulings cannot claim to champion peace,” Akaruese said.
He added that the WSF would continue to defend the Itsekiri people’s cultural and ancestral lands, describing them as “sacred and non-negotiable.”
“We will resist any attempt to misuse the idea of peace to push illegal or revisionist interests. True peace is built on justice, equity, and respect for the law — not on impunity,” he declared.
The group urged the Delta State Government to take charge of a transparent and inclusive mediation process that respects judicial authority and involves all legitimate stakeholders.
“We call on the Delta State Government to spearhead a lawful and transparent peace dialogue with clear timelines, accountability mechanisms, and full respect for court pronouncements on Warri lands,” Akaruese concluded.
The Warri Strategic Forum reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing peace based on justice, fairness, and constitutional order, stressing that it would not recognize or participate in any dialogue that seeks to undermine the rule of law.
