Your assumptions are wrong. Delegates to the peace conference were requested by you to table their views on the causes of the Warri crisis. For the Urhobo delegation, we consider the title of the Olu and the status of Warri as key background material in any meaningful discussion of the current crisis. Please, recall that it was not by accident that the Itsekiri establishment engineered the attack on the Okere-Urhobo community in Warri on June 4 - 7, 1999, which led to the subsequent wanton destrcution of Urhobo property and loss of lives. For whatever reasons, the Itsekiri establishment tried to involve the Urhobos in the current Warri crisis. THIS WAS AN UNPROVOKED ATTACK ON THE URHOBO.

Among the property destroyed was the residence of the King of Okere. Why did the Itsekiri establishment attack the Urhobos and destroyed historic relics of Okere-Urhobo? It is unfortunate that you crafted your letter in such a misleading way as to portray the Urhobo as the aggressor. This is wrong. I appeal to you to check the evidence. We consider the inclusion of the title of the Olu and the status of Warri as germane to any attempt to resolve the current Warri crisis. The unprovoked Itsekiri establishment attack on the Urhobos on June 4 -7, 1999, testifies to this linkage.

If you are really interested in advancing the peace process, I sincerely urge you to advise the Itsekiri delegation to accept the invitation of the Urhobo delegation to re-convene on October 16, 1999.

Cheers.

[Igho Natufe]