BY TOSAN ATIE/WARRI
THE youths of Ekurede community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, staged a peaceful protest as tension escalated over alleged sustained violation of the royal proclamation of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, on youth leadership and structure across Itsekiri communities.
The protest, which was led by Okotie Temisanren, and Bawo Akpafu, drew a large turnout of youths predominantly within the 18–40 age bracket.
The protesters accused certain community leaders and elders of undermining the authority of the palace by imposing a youth leadership structure contrary to the Olu of Warri’s directive issued on August 23, 2025.
According to them, the monarch had expressly directed that all existing community youth structures remain in place pending the formal activation of a new government-recognised youth framework under the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY), specifically for youths aged 18 to 40 years.
The youths were seen displaying placards with different inscriptions affirming loyalty to the Olu of Warri while chanting solidarity songs.
The protesters alleged that there was an ongoing plan to install Mr. Olowu, popularly known as “Chinese,” as youth chairman of Ekurede community, saying he is over 50 years, a move they insist directly contradicts His Majesty’s proclamation. They noted that although advice was reportedly issued by the Atosan family secretary, urging compliance with the royal order, some individuals allegedly persisted in opposing the palace directive and trying to arm twist the community to install an elder as youth chairman, a move they promise to resist both legally and physically.
Also, the youths claimed, that some persons aged 40 years and above were plotting to facilitate the arrest of outspoken youths who were defending the royal proclamation and the rights of the recognised youth age bracket. While addressing the gathering, the leaders of the protest, Okotie Temisanren, and Bawo Akpafu emphasised that, the protest was peaceful and rooted in loyalty to the throne of Warri kingdom and the growth of Ekurede community. They appealed to His Majesty to urgently intervene by calling the affected individuals to order and ensuring strict compliance with the palace directive.
