Warri, Nigeria — The Urhobo Federated Council (UFC) has told the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to stay out of matters that concern Warri Federal Constituency, saying the Yoruba group has no business in Delta State affairs.
The UFC made this clear in a strong press statement signed by its President, Comrade Oturhobore Felix Oghenekevwe. The group said OPC’s comments on the recent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boundary adjustment in Warri were reckless, provocative, and unnecessary.
“Warri is not in Yorubaland. OPC has no historical, political, or cultural ties to our land. They should stay out of it,” the UFC said.
The issue started when OPC criticized INEC’s delineation of electoral ward in Warri Federal Constituency, calling them unfair and accusing INEC of working with certain communities to manipulate things.
But the UFC responded by saying that the Supreme Court had already ruled on the matter, and INEC was simply following that decision. According to them, the boundary adjustment is legal, constitutional, and final.
“The Supreme Court has spoken. INEC followed the law. That should be the end of the matter,” the Council added.
The UFC also strongly rejected OPC’s claims that Ijaw communities were encroaching on land and paying bribes to INEC. They called these lies meant to stir up ethnic conflict, especially around areas like Abiteye, Ijahala, and Kantu.
“These are local issues that should be handled by people who live here — not outsiders causing trouble from afar,” the statement said.
The UFC called on the Federal Government, National Assembly, and security agencies to step in and warn the OPC against causing unrest in Warri.
In conclusion, the UFC said it stands by three things: The Supreme Court’s decision on the Warri constituency; INEC’s boundary work as fair and legal; Peaceful living among Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri people.
“OPC should focus on matters in Yoruba land. Warri belongs to its own people — not outsiders,” the UFC ended.
