A notable figure from the Ijaghala community in Warri South West local government area, Delta State, Mr. Alex Eyengho has reportedly claimed threats to his safety following a press conference he held in Warri, where he asserted, among other points, that Ijaghala is a community belonging to the Itsekiri and is governed under the traditional leadership of the Olu of Warri.
In a statement provided to the Vanguard, Eyengho indicated that if the alleged threats against his life were realized, the Ijaws of Gbaramatu should be held accountable.
He went on to categorically refute claims by Chief Godspower Gbenekeme of the Ijaw Gbaramatu kingdom published in various national outlets, which suggested that Ijaghala and Kantu communities do not fall under the traditional governance of the Olu of Warri.
Eyengho stated: “To put it simply, Ijaghala land is owned by the Ugborodo Community in Warri Kingdom, under the Olu of Warri, although a significant portion of the populace is partly Itsekiri and Ijaw. It is important to note that the official language spoken in Ijaghala community is exclusively Itsekiri, without any alternative. The cultural practices and traditions of the community are also Itsekiri. It may be of interest that other prominent ancestors of the Ijaghala people, such as Egogo, Erueyin, and Eyengho, were all buried at Oboro, the sacred burial ground designated solely for Ugborodo indigenes who are revered as saints, champions, and custodians of Ugborodo heritage.
“Godpower Gbenekama has once again showcased himself as an inadequate student of fundamental history, with his mock bravado suggesting that the Itsekiri originate from Benin through Prince Ginuwa. Even my six-year-old son understands that Itsekiri history is dual in nature. The Itsekiri communities of Ugborodo, Omadino, Inorin, Ureju, and Irigbo have existed in the Warri vicinity since ancient times, well before the arrival of Prince Ginuwa from the great Benin Kingdom, who, along with his entourage, helped establish the Warri Kingdom in a union between the royal household from Benin and the Itsekiri populace. Conversely, the Gbaramatu-Ijaw clan, located strictly in Warri South-West LGA, emigrated from Gbanran in present-day Bayelsa State, from their ancestor Tomtebe, who fathered Oweijubiri, and settled in their current locations, with the consent of either the Ugborodo or Omadino communities of Warri Kingdom.
“I am Alex EYENGHO. I am a legitimate member of the Ijaghala, Kantu, Ode-Ugborodo, Abiugborodo, Orubu, Bobi, Ebrohimi, Koko, Omadino, Orugbo, Gbolokposo, Ode-Itsekiri, and various other communities; all within the Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (Warri Federal Constituency) of Delta State, Nigeria. Nonetheless, I am a registered voter in the Ijaghala community. You will remember that I held a press conference on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, titled.
“It is in this context that I officially declare that my life is under threat from the Gbaramatu-Ijaws, from top to bottom. Should anything untoward occur to me, please do not look elsewhere but to the Gbaramatu-Ijaw clan. My phone has been tapped. Consequently, I am being surveilled. I receive direct and indirect calls warning me to be cautious. Nevertheless, I refuse to be cowed by any individual, regardless of their status in society, wealth, or notorious violent reputation. I will continue to speak the truth based on the facts that are known to me.
