Attempted Land Annexation: Threat To My Life Will Not Deter,  Intimidate Me  — Eyengho

By: EMMA ARUBI; Warri 

Prominent Nollywood Director and Niger Delta activist, Mr. Alex Eyengho has raised the alarm over threats to his life following a press conference he held in Warri.

The frontline Itsekiri indigene from Ijaghala Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State in the press statement,  strongly affirmed that Ijaghala is an Itsekiri community under the traditional authority of the Olu of Warri.

In a statement issued after his press briefing, Mr. Eyengho accused members of the Ijaw Gbaramatu Kingdom of being behind the threats and stated that they should be held accountable if any harm comes to him. 

He categorically rejected recent claims made by Chief Godspower Gbenekama of Gbaramatu, who had alleged that Ijaghala and Kantu communities are not under the Olu of Warri’s domain emphasizing that these statements patently false.

Eyengho further clarified that “Ijaghala is historically part of Ugborodo community within the Warri Kingdom, whose people follow Itsekiri customs, language, and traditions”, noting that despite being of mixed population of Itsekiri and Ijaw descent, Itsekiri remains the dominant identity of the community.

According to him, “notable ancestors of Ijaghala such as Egogo, Erueyin, and Eyengho were buried in Oboro, a burial ground reserved exclusively for revered Ugborodo figures”.

Eyengho criticized Gbenekama’s understanding of Itsekiri history, explaining that the Itsekiri presence in Warri predates the arrival of Prince Ginuwa from Benin, who later merged with existing Itsekiri communities to establish the Warri Kingdom.

He contrasted this with the history of the Gbaramatu Ijaw, whom he claimed migrated from Bayelsa State and were granted permission to settle in their present Communities by Ugborodo or Omadino.

While identifying himself as a registered voter and indigene of Ijaghala and several other communities in Warri Federal Constituency, he revealed and reiterated that his life is in danger, saying his phone is being tapped and that he’s received threatening calls warning him to stay silent.

Despite these threats, he declared his resolve to continue speaking the truth, undeterred by intimidation from any person or group, regardless of status and influence.