Leaders of Itsekiri communities have rejected an alleged plot by the Ondo State Government to forcefully annex their ancestral land into Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State.

They raised the alarm during a peaceful protest in their communities, saying it was to avert a breakdown of law and order in the area.

The protesters from the seven communities: Ebokiti, Ekekporo, Ugbege, Eketie, Ototo, Ewoleba and Aja-Ebighan in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, displayed various placards with inscriptions such as, “Warri North LGA Wants Your Intervention”, “This is Imperialism”, and “We Don’t Want Local Council Area in Ondo State”, among others.

Leaders from the seven communities, Dr. Emma Ikomi of Ugbege, Tosan Odume of Ebokiti and Oma Madamedon of Eke, appealed to Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Chairman of Warri North LGA, Hon. Festus Ashima, and the relevant security agencies to protect their God-given land.

“This is a serious security threat to our communities and to our peaceful coexistence as Itsekiri people over the years,” they declared.

According to the Itsekiri community leaders, Ondo State has been making several attempts over the years to annex the seven Itsekiri communities to ease its desire for the creation of more Local Council Areas (LCAs).

“Since many of their communities have been submerged by floods over the years.

“For the modern imperialism by the land grabbers of the Ondo government, Itsekiri communities will not be the prey,” they assured.