Contrary to the age-long misrepresentation of the Kantu Community as an Itsekiri enclave, the community people have categorically said that they originated from Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The leadership of the Kantu Community gave the affirmation at a press conference held on Friday in the coastal community.

Mr. Windfree Atemubaghan, the Kantu Community chairman, read the speech on behalf of the people.

The speech was endorsed by Pa. Edwin Atemubagha, Ama-Okosuwei of Kantu Community, Chief Shola Gbofeyin, Amadiwei of Kantu Community and among others.

"kantu Community originates from Oporoza Community in Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South-West, so we are full blooded Ijaws," they noted.

Narrating the historical emergence of the Kantu Community, the people said that their ancestral father, Oweizibiri, who originated from Oporoza, founded the community.

They added that Oweizibiri had earlier lived at Amadino (Omadino), an Ijaw fishing settlement with his father (Tometebe).

According to them, Oweizibiri got married to Erebo, a petty trader from Ode in old Western Region (South West) and blessed with seven children.

They explained that their ancestral father had four female and three male in the marriage.

The people further said that the male children married Itsekiri women who also gave birth to other children.

"In the course of growing up, the children were more attached to their mothers, who spoke their Itsekiri dialect with their children.

"And some of the children also inter-married with other Itsekiri indigenes. As such, Itsekiri language became dominantly spoken by majority of Kantu people.

"This is how the Kantu Community which is one of the major Communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom became affiliated to Itsekiri people.

"From the above explanation, we wish to categorically inform the general public, Local, State, and Federal Government and the International Community that Kantu is an Ijaw Community having an ancestral affinity with Gbaramatu Kingdom.

"Kantu Community was never and will never be part of Itsekiri ethnic nationality. Kantu will continue to remain in the Traditional Institution of Gbaramatu Kingdom," they said.

The people, however, pledged their unalloyed loyalty and allegiance to the His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oboro Gbaraun 11, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf the Gbaramatu chiefs, Godspower Gbenekama said that their presence at the press briefing was to witness the final declaration of their place if origin.

"Our presence here is to witness the statement and also affirmed that they are indeed children of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

"Kantu Community was founded by Oweizibiri, their children also founded other Ijaw communities. So the narrative in the media seems to be changing the exact truth.

"So, by the authority giving to us by HRM, Oboro Gbaraun 11, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, we wholeheartedly received you into Gbaramatu kingdom," Gbenekama said.

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