The Itsekiri nation on Sunday unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections, praising the President reforms and the Governor’s performance at the state.
The event held at the Olu Palace Ground, Warri, had in attendance Governor Oborevwori, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Joel Onowakpor-Thomas and notable Itsekiri politicians including Delta APC chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka and Hon. Micheal Diden alias Ejele.
At the event, Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse lll, conferred on the governor the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) for promoting peace and infrastructural development across Itsekiri communities in the state.
The endorsement was moved by Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, who said both leaders had demonstrated purposeful leadership and commitment to development at the federal and state levels.
“Continuity in leadership will further consolidate our present gains. Therefore, on behalf of the entire Itsekiri ethnic nationality, I proudly move the motion for the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
“I also move for the endorsement of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the workaholic Governor of Delta State, for a second term in office. This endorsement reflects our confidence in their leadership and commitment to the progress of our people,” Ideh said.
The motion was seconded by the member representing Warri South I State Constituency, Hon. Augustine Uroye, and adopted through a voice vote presided over by the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi.
Speaking at the event, Ogiame Atuwatse III, said he had decided to conferred the Royal Order of Iwere on Governor Oborevwori in recognition of what he described as the governor’s humility, inclusive leadership and commitment to peace and development in State.
The monarch disclosed that the honour, instituted three years ago to recognise distinguished Nigerians with exceptional contributions to humanity, was unanimously endorsed by the Itsekiri nation for the Delta governor.
The Itsekiri monarch said Oborevwori emerged as the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the revered title due to his leadership style and relationship with the Itsekiri people.
“It gives me great pleasure to present to everyone, freshly minted, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Dr. Sheriff Oborevwori, ROI,” the monarch declared.
Speaking earlier, Prince Yemi Emiko said the reception was organised to appreciate President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their contributions to the growth and development of Itsekiri nation.
He also commended the governor for supporting the emergence of Palace Chief Solomon Arenyeka as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori described the endorsement as “organic” and unprecedented, saying unlike in many political situations where endorsements are lobbied for, the support from the Itsekiri nation came willingly.
“I am deeply humbled by this grand reception. I cannot quantify my gratitude to the Itsekiri nation for the honour of celebrating me and Mr. President today,” he said.
“I have seen where people go and lobby for endorsements. This one is organic. I celebrate your organisational savvy, tenacity of purpose and loyalty to the unity and progress of Delta State.”
The governor commended the Itsekiri people for their resilience and contributions to national development, while paying tribute to notable Itsekiri leaders, including the late Chief Nana Olomu, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the state, Oborevwori highlighted key infrastructure projects executed in Warri and surrounding riverine communities.
“I said during my inaugural speech that Warri will wear a new face, and today we are keeping to our words,” he stated.
He listed ongoing projects to include the rehabilitation of the Effurun Roundabout-NPA Road and the completion of the 21-kilometre Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri Road with 15 bridges.
According to him, the road project, which had remained abandoned since 2006, now connects communities such as Ubeji, Ode-Itsekiri, Ijala, Obodo and Omadino, among others.
He further disclosed that contracts had been awarded for the rehabilitation of the first five-kilometre stretch of the road and electrification of Ode-Itsekiri.
The governor urged the Itsekiri nation to sustain support for his administration and President Tinubu, whom he described as “your in-law.”
Also speaking, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi praised Tinubu’s reform agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural projects across Itsekiri communities.
“There are so many projects executed in our land. The Trans-Warri Road is connecting several communities, while many other projects are transforming our communities,” he said.
Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described the event as historic and commended the governor for fostering unity across the state.
Dignitaries at the event included former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Hon. Julius Pondi, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Hon. Ejiro Waive and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, among others.
