CEPEJ-Africa Convenes Historic Peace Dialogue in Warri, Mulade Urges Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo to Embrace Unity
A leading human rights and advocacy organization in the Niger Delta, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ-Africa), has initiated a high-level multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at addressing recurring ethnic tensions in Warri, Delta State.
The roundtable session, held at King George Hall in Warri South Local Government Area, brought together representatives of Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities, alongside other ethnic nationalities residing in Warri Federal Constituency. The initiative seeks to strengthen peaceful coexistence and rebuild trust among diverse groups in the oil-rich city.
Participants at the dialogue included traditional leaders, security agencies, market associations, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders from Okere Urhobo Kingdom, Itsekiri communities, Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, and Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, among others. Representatives of Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Isoko, Kogi, and Igala communities were also in attendance, underscoring the inclusive nature of the engagement.
Security officials present included divisional police officers and senior officers from ‘A’ and ‘B’ Divisions in Warri, while civil society leaders and peace advocates equally lent their voices to the discussions.
Addressing participants, CEPEJ National Coordinator, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD, emphasized that the peace initiative aligns with the organization’s longstanding commitment to promoting stability across Warri and neighboring communities. Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, stressed that preventing conflict requires sustained engagement and collective responsibility.
He noted that in modern society, conflicts are often fueled by individuals who benefit from instability, making lasting peace a shared duty among citizens. According to him, Warri’s diverse ethnic groups have a long history of coexistence that must be protected and strengthened.
“Warri belongs to all of us. The Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people have lived together for generations. Our responsibility now is to consolidate that peace and ensure it endures,” Mulade stated.
The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Austin Onuoha of the National Peace Academy, Abuja, who encouraged stakeholders to embrace unity and prioritize dialogue as the cornerstone of sustainable peace.
One of the major highlights of the gathering was a unity drama presentation promoting inter-ethnic harmony, followed by the inauguration of a 20-member Warri Indigenes and Residents Peacebuilding Committee (WIRPC). The committee, composed of both indigenes and non-indigenes, has been tasked with sustaining dialogue, reducing tensions, and reinforcing peaceful engagement across communities over the next year.
Organizers expressed optimism that the initiative would mark a significant step toward restoring trust, strengthening cooperation, and preserving the shared heritage of Warri.
