Witnessing the 3rd Coronation Anniversary of Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Itsekiri Pay Homage
People of different classes showed up in cultural attires to entertain the cherished monarch and to honour his presence.
Meanwhile the issue of micro-minorities was raised as they needed laws and policies for safe guardguard of the people.
Asking for greater recognition, a prominent voice from the Niger Delta region Barr Ariyo has called for the need to redefine the term “minority” in Nigeria.
The representative and leaders also stressed the importance of proper implementation of existing laws and policies to protect the rights of micro-minorities and ensure their survival in a landscape dominated by more prominent minority groups.
The leaders made the call during the day two activities marking the third coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lll, while speaking on the issue, major minorities Maginalizing the micro minorities.
However, the itsekiries who occupy three local government within the region, such as the Ecules, who predominantly reside in only three local government areas, argue that the definition of “minority” has been too broad and fails to capture their unique challenges.
According to the itsekiri leaders who said that, “For over 60 years, the focus on minority marginalization has been largely restricted to the Niger Delta region.
According to itsekiri leaders/representative highlighted and said that, “within the Niger Delta, there are relative majorities who have benefitted significantly from the struggles of the so-called minorities.
“This, they argued, has led to the oppression of “micro-minorities” by larger minority groups, particularly when it comes to accessing benefits from initiatives such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the amnesty office.
“The amnesty office, established in response to the demands of the Niger Delta region, has been dominated by these larger minority groups.
“This has led to the marginalization of micro-minorities, such as the Ogoni people, who now seek to form alliances with other micro-minorities to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are recognized.
“The Itsekiri people, who are a minority within Delta State, have been systematically excluded from key positions in the state government.
“Over the past nine years, itsekiries have been absent from top executive roles, including the positions of governor, deputy governor, and key commissioner posts in Delta State
“The call to redefine “minority” is not just about semantics but about ensuring that all groups, particularly micro-minorities, receive fair representation and access to the benefits intended for marginalized communities.
The ceremony witness Itsekiri sons and daughters in Delta State, paid homage to the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III as he celebrates his third (3rd) coronation anniversary. A delegation all over itsekiri lands the Itsekiri indigenes, who paid homage to the Revered Monarch were from Sapele, Bobi and Obonteghareda Communities.
Others are; Holy Covenant Church, Ugboegungun, Aja-Etan, Dibi Field home-based women, Itsekiri Staff of College of Education, Warri, Ugbajo-Itsekiri, delegation from Warri South Council and members of University of Benin Alumni Association, Warri chapter, also paid homage to the Monarch.
The Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse III, flanked by his Queen, Olori Atuwatse III, later offered prayers to his subjects, including palace chiefs, who greeted him as tradition demands.
The different groups, entertained the King with elegant dance steps and Itsekiri cultural songs, paying allegiance to the King’s reign on the exalted throne.
