SUMMARY

The Itsekiri are a small ethnic group in Nigeria numbering a few thousand people living in the oil-rich Niger Delta. In particular the ethnic group inhabits Warri, the second largest town in the region and villages along the Benin and Escravos Rivers and the mangrove forest in riverine areas near the Atlantic Ocean. The language of the Itsekiri is related to the language of the Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups. The Itsekiri are traditionally farmers.

During the colonial era, the Itsekiri gained a privileged position as they acted as middlemen for the British administration. After independence they came to dominate the government structures in the three government areas of Warri. They claimed ownership over the area citing court judgements from the colonial era. Their dominant position in government put them at odds with the two other ethnic groups living in the same area, the Ijaw and the Urhobo.

For over 500 years the traditional leader of the Itsekiri has been the Olu (king) of Itsekiri, who was declared to be the Olu of Warri in 1936. The change of the title was recognised by the colonial authorities. International oil firms wanting to operate in the Warri region, concluded exclusive agreements with the Olu of Warri. In 1987, Ogiame Atuwatse II became the Olu of Warri and maintained this position into the 21st century.

The Itsekiri have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.