The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, delivered a deeply powerful and emotionally charged speech that laid bare the long standing neglect of the Itsekiri nation, despite the vast natural resources found on its land. Speaking after a tour of several riverine communities in Warri North Local Government Area, the monarch described a painful contradiction in which a people whose environment has generated immense wealth for Nigeria remain trapped in poverty, frustration and underdevelopment.According to the Olu, the condition of the Itsekiri did not arise by chance.
He identified a combination of structural, external and internal factors that have allowed neglect to persist for decades. He spoke of weak and indifferent regulatory systems that have failed to protect host communities, as well as exploitative practices by multinational oil companies that thrive on division among local stakeholders. Beyond these, he pointed to a broader culture that has normalised injustice and silence in the face of oppression.
Most striking was his criticism of internal compromise within the Itsekiri nation itself. The Olu stated that no community can be destroyed from the outside unless there are people on the inside willing to open the door. He lamented that a small number of individuals, driven by greed and personal gain, have repeatedly traded the collective future of the Itsekiri people for private benefits. In his words, such people recognise only one god, their stomach, and this betrayal has weakened the collective bargaining power of the nation.
The monarch made it clear that the emotional and economic state of his people can no longer be ignored. He described a population that is discouraged, tired and increasingly disillusioned, yet determined to no longer accept treatment that suggests they do not matter. His speech marked a deliberate decision to speak openly and truthfully, even if uncomfortable, in order to reclaim dignity and justice for his people.While acknowledging recent government efforts, including ongoing infrastructure projects in parts of Itsekiriland, the Olu stressed that these steps remain insufficient when measured against decades of resource extraction and environmental impact. He challenged oil companies operating on Itsekiri land to act responsibly and fairly, reminding them that their success is inseparable from the wellbeing of host communities.
The speech resonated beyond the immediate audience because it combined accountability, self reflection and resolve. It was not only a condemnation of external exploitation but also a call for internal unity, integrity and courage. In speaking so plainly, the Olu of Warri signalled a turning point, making it clear that peace without justice is unsustainable and that the Itsekiri nation can no longer afford silence in the face of neglect.
Culture Beyond the Mainstream 