In a resounding declaration of unity and equitable progress, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has unequivocally assured that no ethnic nationality within the state will be marginalized or neglected during his tenure. The pledge, delivered with characteristic fervor, underscores the administration’s MORE Agenda—a comprehensive framework designed to foster peace, inclusivity, and balanced development across urban, rural, and riverine communities alike. The governor’s remarks came on Wednesday at Obotebe I community in Burutu Local Government Area, during the grand celebration marking the 20th coronation anniversary of the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Capt. King Joseph Timiyan, PhD, Torububou I, who also serves as Chairman of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum.
The event, steeped in cultural splendor and communal joy, provided a fitting backdrop for Governor Oborevwori to extol the monarch’s two decades of exemplary leadership. Thousands of indigenes, traditional rulers from neighboring kingdoms, political dignitaries, and well-wishers gathered under colorful canopies, adorned in vibrant Ijaw attire, to honor a reign that has become synonymous with stability, cultural revival, and advocacy for the marginalized. Traditional drums echoed through the air, interspersed with songs of praise, as the community reflected on the transformative impact of King Timiyan’s stewardship since ascending the throne in 2004.
Addressing the jubilant crowd, Governor Oborevwori described the milestone as “a historic celebration of two decades of visionary and dignified leadership.” He emphasized that the Ogulagha Kingdom had flourished under the monarch’s guidance, experiencing renewed cohesion among clans, a resurgence of cultural pride, and more robust participation in state governance. “Two decades on the throne represent not merely the passage of time, but the steady consolidation of vision, stability, and progress. Your Majesty has carried the responsibility of leadership with grace and dignity matched by a profound sense of duty to your people,” the governor stated, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
The governor’s commendation extended beyond ceremonial praise to acknowledge King Timiyan’s relentless advocacy for equity and fairness, particularly in matters pertaining to oil-producing communities. As one of the most prolific oil-bearing areas in the Niger Delta, Ogulagha plays a pivotal role in Delta State’s economic fortunes, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s crude oil output. Oborevwori stressed that his administration fully recognizes this contribution and is duty-bound to reciprocate with tangible development. “Ogulagha Kingdom and other Ijaw communities are key to Delta’s prosperity. The government cannot overlook their contributions. Under my watch, no ethnic nationality will be neglected. Every group will be carried along in our development plans,” he assured, eliciting cheers from community leaders who have long clamored for greater attention to riverine infrastructure and social amenities.
This was not the governor’s first interaction with the Ogulagha people; he revealed that he had visited the community three times since assuming office in May 2023—a deliberate gesture reflecting his inclusive leadership philosophy. These visits, he explained, are not mere protocol but genuine engagements aimed at understanding grassroots challenges and delivering targeted interventions. The newly inaugurated 12.1-kilometre Odimodi–Okuntu–Ogulagha Road, commissioned just days prior, stands as a concrete testament to this commitment, linking previously isolated settlements and boosting trade, fishing, and social interactions.
Governor Oborevwori’s address also delved into the personal rapport he shares with the monarch, lauding King Timiyan’s integrity, courage, and forthrightness. He recounted the king’s unwavering support during the keenly contested 2023 general elections, a gesture that solidified their alliance. “This is not just an official visit; it’s personal. I know this man. He is courageous and speaks the truth always. During the last elections, he stood firm and supported me, and I will never forget that. God will continue to bless you,” Oborevwori declared, prompting the monarch to rise in acknowledgment amid ovations.
Shifting focus to broader governance principles, the governor articulated a development philosophy that prioritizes holistic growth over urban-centric projects. He cautioned against the pitfalls of neglecting resource-rich but geographically challenged areas, noting that such oversight breeds discontent and instability. “Governance is not about building flyovers or roads only in the cities while neglecting the areas that produce the oil. That kind of neglect creates unrest. I am happy that since I became governor, we have had no crisis or attacks on oil installations. This is because we maintain a good working relationship with all communities,” he observed. The absence of pipeline vandalism or communal clashes in Delta State under his watch, he attributed to proactive engagement, equitable resource allocation, and respect for traditional institutions.
Fiscal prudence emerged as another cornerstone of the administration’s success story. Governor Oborevwori proudly highlighted that Delta remains one of the few states in Nigeria where contractors face no payment delays, and the government has not resorted to borrowing to fund projects. “Delta is one state in Nigeria today where no contractor is being owed, and we have not borrowed a dime. That shows good governance and fiscal discipline,” he asserted. This policy, he explained, ensures timely project completion, eliminates abandoned sites, and attracts reputable firms eager to partner with the state. From the ongoing Warri–Sapale–Benin Road expansion to upcoming flyovers in Ughelli and Agbor, the administration is simultaneously completing inherited initiatives and launching new ones, with riverine areas receiving proportionate attention.
Peace, the governor reiterated, is the bedrock of sustainable development. He praised the cooperative relationship between Delta State and the Federal Government, noting President Bola Tinubu’s affection for the state. “Peace is the only foundation for development. That is why we are working closely with the Federal Government. Mr. President loves Delta State, and our cooperation with the center ensures that we attract more development,” Oborevwori said. This alignment, he argued, facilitates federal interventions in critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, and environmental remediation in the Niger Delta.
In his closing remarks, the governor expressed profound gratitude to the Ogulagha people for their hospitality, loyalty, and steadfast commitment to peace. He prayed for the monarch’s continued health and wisdom, envisioning an era of sustained unity and prosperity. “As we celebrate your 20th coronation anniversary, I pray that your reign continues to bring unity, prosperity, and development to the Ogulagha Kingdom and the entire Ijaw nation. Delta State will continue to stand by you,” he concluded, before presenting anniversary gifts and joining in the cultural performances.
The Ebenanaowei, in a brief response, thanked the governor for his presence and unwavering support, pledging the kingdom’s continued cooperation with the state government. Community leaders, youth groups, and women’s organizations echoed this sentiment, describing the event as a reaffirmation of their place within the Delta family.
The 20th coronation anniversary thus transcended mere festivity; it became a platform for reinforcing the social contract between the people and their government. For the Ijaw nation and other ethnic groups in Delta, Governor Oborevwori’s assurances signal a future where contributions to the state’s wealth are matched by investments in human capital, infrastructure, and cultural preservation. As riverine communities like Ogulagha continue to benefit from roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and shore protection projects, the governor’s vision of an indivisible Delta—where no ethnicity is sidelined—gains deeper resonance.
This occasion also spotlighted the symbiotic role of traditional rulers in modern governance. King Timiyan’s forum leadership has amplified the voices of Ijaw monarchs, ensuring their concerns inform policy formulation. By bridging ancient customs with contemporary administration, such institutions foster the stability that underpins Delta’s reputation as a peaceful, investor-friendly state.
In the broader Niger Delta context, Oborevwori’s approach offers a model for resource-rich regions grappling with historical neglect. By prioritizing dialogue, delivering visible projects, and upholding fiscal integrity, his administration is not only preventing unrest but actively cultivating a legacy of shared prosperity. The Ogulagha celebration, therefore, marks not just a royal milestone but a pivotal moment in Delta’s journey toward inclusive excellence—a journey where every ethnic nationality, from the riverbanks to the uplands, marches forward together under the banner of the MORE Agenda.
