By Nelson Agbajor and Cynthia Akere
WARRI, DELTA — Prince Collins Eselemo, father of Nigerian comedian and content creator Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has threatened legal action over what he described as defamatory statements and actions against his daughter following the controversy surrounding her proposed show in Warri.
Speaking during a media chat, Eselemo expressed dissatisfaction with a petition reportedly submitted by Ejiro Imuere and a lawyer concerning the location indicated on promotional materials for his daughter’s proposed event.
He argued that there was no justification for the petition and said the matter had been unnecessarily escalated, resulting in what he described as public criticism and bullying directed at Real Warri Pikin.
According to Eselemo, the controversy should not have been allowed to develop into a dispute capable of affecting his daughter’s reputation and business activities.
He also challenged what he described as attempts to establish exclusive ownership of certain names, greetings and cultural expressions associated with communities in the Warri area.
Eselemo argued that several ethnic groups, including the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri, have longstanding historical and cultural connections with the Warri axis and that expressions such as “Doo” should not, in his view, be treated as the exclusive property of one ethnic group.
Questions Wado City’s Legal Status
Eselemo also questioned the legal status of a group identified as Wado City, asking whether the organisation is formally registered and recognised as a legal entity.
He claimed that, to his knowledge, the group was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and questioned the basis upon which it could act or issue petitions in matters involving community interests.
He challenged Imuere and the lawyer reportedly involved in the petition to explain the basis for their intervention, alleging that their actions could negatively affect his daughter’s legitimate business interests.
Eselemo subsequently demanded an unreserved apology from Imuere and the lawyer within seven days.
He warned that failure to receive the requested apology within the stated period would result in him taking legal steps on behalf of his daughter.
Recalls Role in Warri Peace Efforts
The elder statesman also referred to his previous involvement in efforts to promote peace among the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri communities during the Warri crisis.
He recalled his involvement with the Warri National Congress, which, according to him, brought representatives of the three major ethnic groups together.
Eselemo said he represented the Ijaw, while Tony Press represented the Itsekiri and the late Ekiemute Mudiagha Ogie represented the Urhobo.
He said the group subsequently participated in a conference in Benin chaired by the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, where resolutions were reached as part of efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the region.
Eselemo further made historical claims concerning the Warri/Effurun axis, including an assertion about the origins of Uvwie Kingdom.
He consequently called on the Delta State Government and other relevant stakeholders to intervene in the controversy and help prevent the disagreement from escalating.
He urged stakeholders to prioritise peace, unity and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic communities in Delta State.
The controversy reportedly followed a petition by Imuere concerning Real Warri Pikin’s proposed show and the location stated on its billboard, after which the event was cancelled.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the leadership of Uvwie Kingdom regarding Eselemo’s claims, allegations or demand for an apology.
