The leadership of Itsekiri Young Elites (IYE) led by it’s President Comr. Lily-white O. Esigbone and Secretary Comr. Eboma Tuoyo Michael have faulted what it described as a deliberate campaign of misinformation by Ayiri Emami, accusing him of exploiting the tragic death of Mr. Emiko Onuwaje to malign the Palace of the Olu of Warri. In a statement issued on Sunday, the group described the allegations circulating in the media as reckless propaganda, insisting that the Palace of the Olu of Warri had no involvement whatsoever in the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate killing of the deceased on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
According to IYE, it is both insensitive and dangerous for anyone to take advantage of a moment of collective mourning to launch unfounded attacks against a revered traditional institution. The group stated unequivocally that claims suggesting the Palace was attempting to shield suspects linked to the crime were false, malicious, and calculated to erode the moral authority of the Olu of Warri, an institution it described as the enduring symbol of unity and justice in Itsekiri land.
IYE explained that at the time the allegations were being circulated, the Palace was engaged in long-scheduled and widely publicised cultural activities, including the Ghighọ́n Aghọ́fẹn celebrations and the installation of new chiefs, all conducted peacefully and in strict adherence to Itsekiri customs. It added that while investigations continue into incidents that later occurred in Ogidigben, it was dishonest to conflate those developments with palace activities or to weaponise the death of Mr. Onuwaje for ulterior motives.
The group further alleged that certain actors, driven by personal grievances and political vendetta, had mobilised youths towards Ogidigben with the aim of destabilising the community and targeting individuals loyal to the Palace. It expressed concern that Ayiri Emami had failed to acknowledge the destruction of properties worth millions of naira belonging to palace supporters and Chief John DejiOkpeyo, while paradoxically accusing Chief Captain John Deji Okpeyo, who was reportedly in Warri at the material time of orchestrating violence in his own ancestral home.
While reaffirming its sympathy with the family of the deceased, IYE warned that turning a tragic loss into a tool for personal revenge, particularly against the Palace, could plunge Warri Kingdom into avoidable crisis. The group called on the Federal Government to order a thorough and transparent investigation into both the killing and the destruction of property in Ogidigben, urged the Delta State Government to reinforce security in the area, and reiterated its unwavering confidence in the Olu of Warri and his Palace, insisting that the truth would ultimately prevail over propaganda.
