ln a historic move toward lasting inter-communal harmony, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Ovie of Agbarha Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi II, have formally committed to a joint pledge of unity, peaceful coexistence, and unhindered development across Warri and its surrounding districts. ​
The landmark commitment was consolidated during a high-profile bilateral meeting held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Aghofen (Olu’s Palace) in Warri, Delta State. ​The summit brought together high chiefs, community leaders, youth representatives, and regional stakeholders from both the Itsekiri and Agbarha-Urhobo ethnic nationalities to chart a unified path for economic progress and socio-cultural synergy.
Both monarchs agreed to establish a standing joint peace committee designed to mediate localized disputes, prevent youth restiveness, and maintain zero tolerance for communal clashes. The royal fathers resolved to jointly lobby federal, state, and private sector entities to attract critical infrastructure projects, commercial investments, and maritime development to Warri.
Emphasizing shared history and geographical proximity, the leaders pledged to promote cross-cultural initiatives and mutual respect between their peoples. ​Speaking on behalf of the Warri Kingdom shortly after the closed-door session at 1:30 PM, the Chief Palace Spokesperson, Chief Eugene Iwere, described the gathering as a vital turning point for the region. ​
“His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III has always maintained that sustainable progress is impossible without peace. Today’s meeting with His Royal Majesty Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi II, demonstrates a shared vision that puts the prosperity and safety of all residents in Warri above all else. We are entering a new era of proactive collaboration.” said Chief Eugene Iwere. ​Echoing the sentiment, the Palace Spokesperson for the Agbarha Kingdom, High Chief Oghenevwede Omorovie, highlighted the mutual resolve of both traditional institutions to ensure the accord yields tangible benefits for everyday citizens.
​”His Royal Majesty Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi II, stands firmly with the Olu of Warri on this common ground. Agbarha Kingdom is fully dedicated to unhindered development. Our communities share the same markets, the same roads, and the same future. By locking arms today, our monarchs have laid a foundation that will empower our youth and attract genuine investment to Warri.” High Chief Oghenevwede Omorovie stated.
​Following the palace summit, a joint communique is scheduled to be formally signed and presented to the Delta State Government at the Warri South Local Government Council Secretariat on Monday, August 17, 2026. State officials and security agencies have lauded the proactive leadership of both traditional rulers, hailing the pact as a model for grassroots peacebuilding in the Niger Delta region.
