ASABA/Nigeria: Traditional rulers and community leaders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities have established a 30-member inter-ethnic peacebuilding body aimed at sustaining dialogue and preventing renewed tensions over the Warri Federal Constituency delineation dispute.
The body was inaugurated on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Best Western Elomaz Hotel, Asaba, under the Warri Peace Community Support Initiative, with support from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND).
Its formation follows months of tension and negotiations over the delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency, an issue that has placed relations among the three ethnic nationalities under considerable strain.
The proposed council comprises 30 traditional rulers, palace chiefs and community leaders, with 10 representatives drawn from each of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo groups. The leaders had previously participated in mediated discussions aimed at resolving disagreements surrounding the delineation process.
The new arrangement is intended to provide a platform for continued engagement among the communities and help sustain the commitments made during earlier peace negotiations.
Rather than allowing disagreements over political representation to undermine inter-ethnic relations, the initiative seeks to strengthen communication, mutual understanding and cooperation among community stakeholders.
At the inauguration, representatives of the three ethnic nationalities demonstrated a willingness to continue working together, sharing a common platform and reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The gathering was moderated by Professor Andrew Agboro, Chairman of the Conflict Prevention Council, Delta State, and a member of the Warri Peace Support Initiative.
Proceedings included an opening address by PIND’s Executive Director, Sam Daibo, as well as goodwill messages from Dr Sylvester Okoh, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Warri Peace Community Support Initiative; Dr David Udofia, PIND’s Peacebuilding Manager; and Dr Chuks Ofulue, the foundation’s Advocacy Manager.
Consultants Dr Austin Onuoha and Dr Bosede Awodola facilitated technical discussions and group sessions designed to translate the peacebuilding commitments into practical measures.
The initiative reflects continuing efforts by community leaders and peacebuilding organisations to prevent disputes surrounding electoral representation from escalating into wider ethnic confrontation.
The delineation exercise has been a sensitive issue in Warri Federal Constituency, which comprises Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West local government areas. The Independent National Electoral Commission released its final delineation report in May 2026 following a Supreme Court-directed process.
Although the electoral exercise concerns the organisation of political representation, disagreements over its implications have highlighted the importance of transparent engagement and sustained confidence-building among affected communities.
The inauguration of the peacebuilding body therefore places renewed responsibility on community leaders to maintain dialogue, address emerging concerns through established channels and discourage actions or statements capable of heightening tensions.
The long-term impact of the initiative will depend on whether its members can sustain cooperation beyond formal meetings and respond effectively when disagreements arise.
