The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has stated that the Itsekiri people are direct descendants of Oduduwa.
He also added that they are an integral part of the Yoruba nation.
The monarch made this declaration over the weekend during a historic visit to his palace by a high-powered delegation of Warri chiefs and Itsekiri leaders, led by the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatsereuleghe.
The group had come to congratulate Oba Owoade on his ascension to one of the most revered thrones in Yorubaland and to foster closer ethnic ties.
Describing the visit as more than ceremonial, Chief Amatsereuleghe emphasised the cultural and ancestral bonds that unite the Itsekiri and the Yoruba people.
“This is a historic reunion and a deliberate effort to reinforce the bridge of solidarity between the Itsekiri and Yoruba people. There is no ambiguity about our Yoruba origin. It is evident in our language, culture and oral traditions passed down through generations,” he said.
The Iyasere further noted that the Itsekiri, though residing in Delta State, have long endured a sense of marginalisation and sought stronger recognition of their Yoruba roots in national discourse and policy.
Welcoming the delegation with open arms, Oba Owoade reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between both ethnic groups.
“We are bound by blood. What affects you affects the entire Yoruba people. We share the same ancestry, history, and aspirations. The time has come for unity and collaboration,” the monarch declared.
He revealed a personal connection to the Itsekiri people, recounting his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting in Warri, which he said gave him firsthand insight into the Itsekiri culture and strengthened his belief in their shared Yoruba ancestry.
The Alaafin pledged to be a unifying force for all Yoruba-descended communities, not only in Nigeria but across the diaspora, urging for renewed cultural and political cooperation to overcome historical divisions.
