The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has said that the Itsekiri people of Delta State are of Yoruba origin.
He recently revealed that the Itsekiris are direct descendants of Oduduwa, the revered progenitor of the Yoruba race.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a high-powered delegation of royal Warri Chiefs and prominent Itsekiri leaders to the ancient palace of the Alaafin in Oyo town, the monarch declared that whatever affects the Itsekiri people affects the entire Yoruba race, because they have the same history.
According to him, Yorubas and Itsekiris share the same fears and aspirations, and there is a clear need for them to work together as one for the development of both regions.
“We are bound by blood. What affects you affects the entire Yoruba people. We have the same history, shared fears and aspirations. We need to work together as one people driven by the same history and destiny.
We have the same ancestry, history, shared fears and aspirations. We need to work together as one people driven by the same origin and destiny,” he said.
The visiting delegation included the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatsereuleghe, Chief Barr. Robinson Ariyo (Egogo Iwere of Warri), Chief Roland Oritsejafor (Ogwa of Warri), Chief Omotolubi Newuwumi (Omotamudieyi of Warri), and Prince Benson Onuwaje, CEO of Emirate Logistics.
Speaking, Chief Amatsereuleghe delivered warm greetings from the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, stressing that their visit is both symbolic and strategic.
Amatsereuleghe revealed that his presence was part of Warri’s effort to strengthen the bond of solidarity between the Itsekiri and Yoruba people, since they share a common ancestry.
He praised the Alaafin for showing brilliant leadership within a short period since ascending the throne, congratulating him for emerging as the new custodian of Yoruba tradition.
He then expressed confidence in Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade’s ability to fully unite the Yoruba nation in the coming years.
“There is no ambiguity about our Yoruba origin. This is a fact we know. It is evident in our location in Delta, in our language, our culture and the folklore handed over by our forefathers,” he added.
