WARRI – The Itsekiri nation on Sunday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made at the Olu Palace Ground in Warri during a reception honoring both leaders.
The motion for endorsement was moved by Planning Committee Chairman Dr. Alex Ideh, who said continuity would consolidate gains at the federal and state levels. It was seconded by Hon. Augustine Uroye, member representing Warri South I, and adopted through a voice vote conducted by Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, member representing Warri Federal Constituency.
At the same event, Governor Oborevwori was conferred with the Royal Order of Iwere, the highest merit award of the Itsekiri nation. The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, said the honor recognized the governor’s leadership, humility, inclusive governance, and commitment to peace and development in Delta State. The governor is the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the award since its establishment three years ago.
Prince Yemi Emiko, in his welcome address, said the reception was to appreciate Tinubu and Oborevwori for their contributions to the Itsekiri nation. He also thanked the governor for supporting Chief Solomon Arenyeka’s emergence as APC chairman in Delta State.
Responding, Oborevwori described the endorsement as “organic and unprecedented,” saying it reflected the people’s voluntary support. He listed ongoing projects in Warri and riverine areas, including the rehabilitation of the Effurun Roundabout to NPA road and the completion of the 21-kilometer Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri road with 15 bridges. He noted that contracts had also been awarded for electrification and further rehabilitation of the road.
The governor urged continued support for his administration and that of President Tinubu, whom he described as “your in-law.” He commended the Olu of Warri for promoting unity within the kingdom and across the state.
Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi praised the federal and state governments for infrastructure projects in Itsekiri communities, while Delta APC Chairman Chief Solomon Arenyeka called the event historic and commended Oborevwori for fostering unity.
The ceremony was attended by 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 other dignitaries.
