08/08/2026
Real Warri Pikin Cancels September 20 Show Over Ethnic Tension
By Ndu Samuel
Popular Nigerian comedian and entertainer, Real Warri Pikin, has cancelled her scheduled September 20, 2026 show at Monarchy Event Centre, in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, following what she described as growing ethnic disagreements over the use of the name “Warri.”
The entertainer disclosed this in a video circulating on social media, particularly Facebook, where she recounted her experience and explained why the much-anticipated event had to be cancelled.
Real Warri Pikin, while thanking her fans for their love and support, expressed frustration over the situation, lamenting what she described as disunity in Delta State.
“Being an entertainer from Delta State is exhausting. The disunity in Delta State is something else,” she said.
According to her, the controversy started after some people in Uvwie objected to the proposed description of the event as “Real Warri Pikin Live in Warri,” insisting that the show should instead be identified with Uvwie.
She explained that some Uvwie residents argued that the event should be tagged “Real Warri Pikin Live in Uvwie” because of ongoing disagreements over the identity and ownership of Warri.
“The people of Uvwie said Real Warri Pikin Live in Uvwie should be used instead, Delta State, and not Warri, saying that Itsekiris are claiming Warri, so it should not be tagged Warri,” she recounted.
She added that some others were also uncomfortable with the use of “Warri” in her name and allegedly warned that the event could be disrupted if the name was not removed from promotional materials.
“And others are also not comfortable with Warri in my name,” she said.
According to the comedian, she was told that the organisers would have to make corrections to the banners, billboards and radio jingles advertising the programme.
“The Uvwie people said Real Warri Pikin should remove the name Warri from the show to Uvwie or else they will scatter the programme on the day of the programme,” she stated.
She continued: “She should take off the banners, billboards, radio jingles for corrections.”
The development, she said, created further difficulties for the organisers, particularly because of the need to make corrections across different promotional platforms ahead of the event.
Real Warri Pikin also reflected on how the geographical understanding of Warri has evolved over the years, expressing disappointment that an identity that was once commonly used is now at the centre of disputes.
“Growing up, everywhere we call it Warri, everything is changing due to claims of ownership,” she said.
The entertainer's comments have sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians reacting to the cancellation and expressing concern over the impact of ethnic and territorial disagreements on entertainment, business and social activities in Delta State.
The September 20 event was expected to attract fans and entertainment lovers from across Delta State and beyond, but the entertainer said the prevailing circumstances made it necessary to call off the programme.
Real Warri Pikin concluded by appreciating her fans for standing by her and showing her love and support despite the cancellation.
The incident has once again brought to the fore the longstanding sensitivities surrounding the identity and geographical definition of Warri and surrounding areas, with the comedian's experience highlighting how such disputes can increasingly affect public events and entertainment activities in the state.
