By Warefa Pereke.
May 10th, 2025.
Warri, Delta State – The Gbaramatu Kingdom has thrown its full weight behind the Ikantu community, publicly commending their resolute stance in affirming their Gbaramatu ancestry amidst ongoing tensions with the Itsekiri ethnic group.
Chief Godspower Gbenekama JP, the Fiyeowei (Spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, lauded the Ikantu people for “speaking the truth” about their origins, highlighting the deep historical ties connecting Ikantu to the wider Gbaramatu Kingdom.
In a video statement, Chief Gbenekama urged the Ikantu community to remain steadfast in the face of what he described as “recent threats from the Itsekiris.” He unequivocally assured them of the entire Gbaramatu Kingdom’s unwavering support, declaring, “The entire Gbaramatu Kingdom is behind you.”
The nature of these threats, according to reports, involves attempts by the Itsekiris to compel the Ikantu people to claim Itsekiri, rather than Ijaw, identity. Chief Gbenekama’s intervention serves as a clear declaration of solidarity from the Gbaramatu leadership, reinforcing the ancestral claims of the Ikantu people and providing strong backing against any attempts to undermine their identity.
Further emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Chief Gbenekama issued a stern warning: “If anybody touches any person from Ikantu, the gods of Gbaramatu kingdom will act.” This statement underscores the kingdom’s commitment to protecting the Ikantu community and their heritage.
The declaration by the Gbaramatu Kingdom comes after leaders of the Ikantu community recently held a press briefing to formally declare their Ijaw origins and their affiliation with the Gbaramatu Kingdom, dispelling long-standing misconceptions of Itsekiri ancestry. This public affirmation has been met with strong support from various Gbaramatu stakeholders.
