WARRI, Nigeria – The recent decision by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to dissolve the executive committee of the Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC, has sparked significant debate within the Itsekiri community.
The dissolution, announced by the Olu from his palace, cited the INYC’s failure to adopt a new constitution and conduct elections.
However, INYC Adviser Comrade Emiko Oghomienor has publicly questioned the monarch’s authority in the matter, arguing that only the INYC’s Board of Trustees has the constitutional power to dissolve the council’s leadership.
According to the Olu’s directive, the palace has appointed members from the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates and the National Association of Itsekiri Students, NAIS, to draft a new INYC constitution, with Chiefs Omolubi Newuwumi and Wilson Olley advising the committee.
In response, Oghomienor contends that these actions infringe upon the INYC’s autonomy.
“The Olu of Warri is traditionally presented with INYC leadership for royal blessing, but does not oversee its election process,” he said, emphasising that INYC was created by patriotic Itsekiri leaders and not by the monarchy.
Oghomienor also stressed that the current INYC executive, led by Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro and Acting President Comrade Godwin Utieyin, is expected to serve until December 2024.
He argued that “only the Board of Trustees, which is constitutionally empowered, can dissolve the INYC leadership, and they have established procedures to follow if such an action is needed.”
Calls for INYC Autonomy and Respect for Established Procedures
In a statement released Tuesday, Oghomienor reiterated his position, stating, “There is no need to announce the dissolution of the current INYC leadership, which is scheduled to conclude its tenure in December 2024, barely two months away. One now wonders on what basis this purported dissolution was announced.”
Oghomienor highlighted that discussions within the council had focused on amending the existing INYC constitution, not creating an entirely new document as directed by the palace.
He also questioned the involvement of traditional authorities in youth council elections, a practice he claims is uncommon in other ethnic groups.
“I am not aware of any ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta or other parts of Nigeria where traditional rulers intervene in the election of youth executives for ethnic organizations,” he said.
Olu’s Directive and New Committee for INYC Constitution
The palace’s directive has laid the groundwork for a new committee to draft a constitution for INYC, with representatives from NAIS and Itsekiri Graduates at the helm.
Chief Newuwumi and Chief Olley have been appointed as advisers to this committee.
Some community members have interpreted this move by Olu as an effort to reestablish guidance and structure within the INYC.
However, Oghomienor emphasised the autonomy of the council, stating, “The current leadership of INYC will see their tenure through, and the election of a new executive will be conducted in line with the existing constitution, subject to further amendments as needed.”
He underscored that INYC was formed under critical circumstances and by “very mature, patriotic, and forward-thinking Itsekiris,” affirming its status as an independent entity within the community.
