Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has hailed renewed efforts to promote peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence among the diverse communities in Warri and its environs, following a controversy that recently erupted over comedian Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, and the branding of her planned show.
Oborevwori, who spoke through the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, at the closing ceremony of the maiden Warri Unity Games at the Federal Government College, Warri, described sports and other community-driven initiatives as powerful instruments for rebuilding relationships, breaking down barriers, and fostering sustainable peace.
The governor’s message came against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding Real Warri Pikin’s September 20, 2026 comedy show, which was scheduled to hold at the Monarch Event Centre in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
Publicity for the event described it as “Real Warri Pikin Live in Warri”, a description that triggered objections from the Wado City Advocacy Group and other indigenes, who insisted that Effurun should be distinctly identified rather than presented as Warri.
The disagreement reportedly escalated, prompting Asuoha to cancel the event. The comedian subsequently spoke of her frustration with what she described as years of regional tension and disunity, saying that some persons have even suggested she drops “Warri” from her stage name.
The dispute, however, has since been resolved following a peace and reconciliation meeting involving the comedian, representatives of the local and state governments, and the Wado City Advocacy Group.
The parties reportedly issued a joint statement resolving their differences and pledging to support the event, with a new date and venue expected to be announced.
Against this backdrop, Oborevwori’s renewed call for peace assumed added significance, as the governor urged stakeholders to embrace initiatives capable of bringing the people together rather than deepening divisions.
Representing the governor at the Unity Games, Tonukari conveyed Oborevwori’s warm regards to participants and organisers and expressed his regret that pressing official engagements prevented him from attending personally.
He commended the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, for conceiving the Unity Games, describing the initiative as a platform through which people from different communities could interact, compete, forge friendships, and strengthen bonds.
According to the governor, the Delta State Government believes sports can serve as a bridge among diverse communities, helping to break down imaginary barriers and promote lasting peace.
“On behalf of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State Government, I declare our absolute and resolute support for every community-driven initiative that enhances youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and peaceful coexistence,” Tonukari said.
He urged the athletes and spectators to uphold discipline, fair play, and mutual respect, expressing optimism that friendships established through the games would contribute to a more united and prosperous Warri and Delta State.
The message resonated with the Olu of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Ataneru Igbi II, who commended the Olu of Warri for initiating the sporting festival.
The monarch described the games as an important opportunity for reconciliation and renewed unity among the people, urging residents to extend the spirit of peace beyond the sporting arena.
He also appealed to those involved in insults and inflammatory exchanges on social media to desist, stressing the deep historical and family connections binding the communities together.
“I grew up in Ekpen Street and I used to say I am an Okere man because there was no difference between Urhobos and Itsekiris. In fact, I spoke Itsekiri more than Urhobo,” he said.
He urged the people to seize the opportunity provided by the Unity Games for “total reconciliation”, pointing to intermarriages and longstanding family relationships as evidence that the communities could not afford to remain divided.
The Olu of Warri said the Unity Games represent a deliberate attempt to remind the people of their shared heritage and common destiny.
He said the initiative was conceived to demonstrate that the people of Warri had far more in common than what separates them.
He announced that the Unity Games would henceforth become part of activities marking his coronation anniversary, with the first Saturday of the anniversary celebration week dedicated to promoting unity among all those who call Warri home.
The monarch said the initiative was also a response to the painful lessons of the past, particularly the need to ensure that the events of previous decades were not repeated.
Reflecting on the early 1990s, the Olu recalled how what was originally intended as a celebration of the coronation anniversary of his predecessor, Ogiame Atuwatse II, degenerated into conflict and violence, leaving consequences from which Warri had yet to fully recover.
He also recalled Warri’s unrealised potential as a major national cultural tourism destination, noting that the city had a carnival long before the emergence of the now-famous Calabar Carnival.
“Warri desires to rise again, and to rise better than before,” the monarch declared.
The Real Warri Pikin controversy has consequently added another dimension to the renewed conversation about identity, coexistence and the need for dialogue in the Warri axis.
Although the disagreement began over the description of a venue in Effurun as being in “Warri”, its escalation demonstrated the sensitivity surrounding the distinct identities of communities that have, over time, become closely interconnected socially, economically and geographically.
The subsequent reconciliation, coming at a time when traditional rulers and the Delta State Government are actively promoting initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust, has provided an opportunity for stakeholders to turn the controversy into a lesson in dialogue and mutual respect.
With the parties now reportedly committed to resolving the disagreement and supporting the comedy event, attention is expected to shift from the dispute to the broader objective of ensuring that Warri and its neighbouring communities “rise again” — this time through peace, unity, cultural renewal and economic development.
The convergence of the Unity Games, the traditional institution’s joint call for “total reconciliation” and the peaceful resolution of the Real Warri Pikin controversy has thus renewed hopes that the Warri axis can move beyond old fault lines and build a more united future.
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