May 11, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared that the Itsekiri people of Delta State are of Yoruba origin, being direct descendants of Oduduwa, the revered progenitor of the Yoruba race.
This declaration was made 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.
“We are bound by blood,” the Alaafin emphasized. “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.”
He further recalled his connection to Warri, having served in the city during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.
The Alaafin stressed the importance of unity between the Yoruba and Itsekiri people, stating, “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.”
The visiting delegation, led by the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatsereuleghe, commended the Alaafin for exhibiting exceptional leadership since ascending the throne.
Chief Amatsereuleghe described the visit as historic and a purposeful effort to strengthen the bond of collaboration and solidarity between the Itsekiri and Yoruba people, who share a common ancestry.
The Iyasere noted that the Itsekiri people have endured decades of repression and exclusion in Delta State, stressing the need for change. He emphasized the unmistakable Yoruba origin of the Itsekiri people, citing their location, language, culture, and folklore as evidence.
“We have no ambiguity about our Yoruba origin,” Chief Amatsereuleghe said.
“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.”
