Tension in Warri South as Ijaw youth protest removal of coronation banners

By Diana Oluwole/Emeni Juliet

Tension rose in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta, today Monday 16th of September 2025, as some youth, who identified themselves as Ijaw, staged a protest along NPA Road over the removal of coronation banners of the Monbene 111, Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijaw Kingdom.

The protesters alleged that armed military personnel, in collaboration with hoodlums they claimed were Itsekiri youth, removed the banners which had been mounted on solar lights along NPA Road leading to the Warri South Council Secretariat.

A protester, who pleaded anonymity, said the community was angered by the development, describing it as a deliberate provocation.

The aggrieved youth marched to the Warri South Council Secretariat demanding the banners be reinstalled. On arrival, they reportedly called out the Itsekiri, demanding they vacate the area. However, the council gate was locked, leaving workers to take refuge in hiding.

In the course of the protest, the youths destroyed other banners mounted in front of the Secretariat before marching towards the Ibo Market Roundabout, where they chanted war songs.

As of the time of filing this report, the protesters were still at the roundabout, causing apprehension among residents and commuters.