By: Tonebsky Nesta
Immediate past Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described prominent Itsekiri political icon, late Chief Alfred Rewane as a giant who will remain a beacon of this age.
The Action Congress Chieftain gave this description Friday July 2 at Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos during the public presentation of the book “Warri” A focus on the Itsekiri”. According to the former Lagos State governor, Late Alfred Rewane stood for heroic qualities like courage, selflessness, humanitarian service as well as vision and noted “his role in the progressive movement of this country since his days in the Western Region under the great sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo”.
He lamented the loss of lives and properties in the recent Warri crisis and advised the Itsekiris, Urhobos and Ijaws to place emphasis on issues that they have in common rather than highlighting their differences. “I cannot think of Warri also without looking at the recent past when bloodshed and disputes replaced its image as a cosmopolitan, intensely commercial and peaceful city, with the famous appellation of the “oil - booming city”. It had to do with disputes over land and history, over who owns the land and whose history is superior. That episode was marked by slaughter and slander, by fear and trembling, by plundered families and shattered businesses. I thought they all had a lot in common and suddenly war highlighted differences where harmony was necessary”. He added, “what I seek is an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence, not partisan rancour. If there is rancour, let it not degenerate into bloodshed on the streets”.
Senator Tinubu while linking militancy of recent years to the Warri war, advocated a rule of engagement that will see all stakeholders “come together and integrate blueprints, tackle rough edges, vent anger and frustrations and seek the common ground for generations to come”.
He acknowledged the primordial ties the Yorubas have with Itsekiris, particularly as exemplified in their language and the Oluship and quipped that the Ijaws as well as Urhobos also have strong ties with the Itsekiris.
Former Head of State and Chairman of the Occasion, General (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon in is remarks, appreciated the Itsekiri people for their contribution to the democratic process in Nigeria as well as keeping the country one and united. He declared that the Itsekiris have a strong capacity for handwork and noted the commitment they have for their culture. According to him, he found “these traits in abundance in the Itsekiri people who worked closely with me in those difficult years during which we fought for one united Nigeria”.
One of the contributors of the book, Chief Isaac Jemide in his remark, explained that “the presentation of the book is a joint effort between a young Itsekiri association and the father or elder counterpart in manifestations and appreciation of the leadership role, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought has played over the years, not only in defense of Itsekiri heritage in particular, but in Nigeria Affairs in general”.
Chief Jemide, a veteran lawyer noted that the writing of the book “have been propelled, motivated and inspired by the need to remain committed to the core values and objectives of our organization to protect Itsekiri interest from unwarranted assault”.
In his comment, Editor of the book, Pa. J.O.S. Ayomike, described the book as part of their crowning experience. According to him, they have written things that they saw and participated in, including “things that have been accomplished here in Warri just as they were delivered to us by those who were true eyewitness”.
Earlier in a welcome address, the chairman of Itsekiri National Heritage, INH, Chief Willy Edema-Ofoni, noted “that previous arrangements to present the book in Warri fell through”. He however expressed delight that the change in venue provided a platform for the book to be launched at a “first class and fabulous center”, not “only to Nigeria but to the International community as well”.
Chief Edema-Ofoni explained that the partnership has exposed them to “high level techniques, discipline and commitment, involved over the past five years in the production efforts”.
The book, “Warri: A focus on the Itsekiri” written by renowned Warri historian, J.O.S Ayomike with contributions from Chief Isaac Jemide and Barr. Edward Ekpoko deals with the controversy over who owns Warri and was reviewed by prominent academia like Professor Tony Afejuku of the University of Benin, Professor Itse Sagay (SAN), Edoba B. Omoregie, Esq, Senior lecturer, Faculty of Law, UNIBEN, Professor Nesin Omatseye also of UNIBEN and Chief S.S. Obaro who presented chapter three of the book which juxtaposes textual materials and pictures.
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