By Jimitota Onoyume

Odidi community in  Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has clarified that “Odidi is a Federated community under the Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom and not part of the Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Speaking against the backdrop of a publication  by a group, Kantu Working Committee,  that Odidi was part of the Gbaramatu Kingdom Odidi leaders said the information by Kantu was  misleading and wrong in its entirety.

The clarification  contained in a statement issued by the community leaders and signed by the chairman, Odidi Federated Community, Prince Preye Okrikpa reads :

“Odidi is a Federated community under the Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom.

 “Odidi is officially recognized as a Federated Community under the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, situated in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.”

While stressing the importance of respecting each community’s identity and governance, the Odidi community leaders highlighted that “Odidi has its own cultural heritage and traditions that distinguish it from Gbaramatu and other neighboring kingdoms”.

The statement cautioned that “the INEC ward delineation should not serve as an avenue to secretly annex  communities belonging to others”.

The Odidi community leaders expressed concern that “the continued spread of false information could lead to misunderstandings and conflicts among neighboring communities”.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that Odidi is not part of Gbaramatu Kingdom.  Our historical ties and governance structure are firmly rooted in the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom. ” Odidi leaders said.

The statement from Odidi further read:  “We urge the Kantu Working Committee to cease their dissemination of misleading information that could jeopardize the peace and unity of our communities and Ugbanabou is not in Odidi Federated Communities, INEC should also take note.

“Kantu chairman, his Working Committee and sponsors should take note that, before the conceptualization and consideration of the Ward delination by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Odidi Federated Community has been under Ogbe-ljoh Ward 1, Unit 22 Warri South-West Local Government Area.

“We are proud of our heritage and will not allow anyone to undermine our identity. Odidi has a rich history that we cherish, and we stand united in our resolve to protect it.

“We believe that our firm correction of falsehoods that Odidi Federated Community is not under Gbaramatu Kingdom but  under Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom will be respected by the Gbaramatu Kingdom and foster understanding, cooperation and mutual respect as one Ijaw speaking family in Delta State”.