The Itsekiri nation on Sunday, 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, just as the Governor was conferred with the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), the highest honour of the Itsekiri nation.
The endorsement took place at the Olu Palace Ground in Warri during a grand reception organised by the Itsekiri nation in honour of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, with political leaders, traditional rulers, party faithful and prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom in attendance.
The motion endorsing both leaders for re-election was moved by Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, who said continuity in leadership would further consolidate the gains already recorded at both federal and state levels.
According to him, “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 His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a second term in office.
“I also move for the endorsement of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the workaholic Governor of Delta State, for a second term in office. This endorsement is a reflection of our confidence in their leadership, commitment to development, and dedication to the progress of our people.”
The motion was seconded by the member representing Warri South I State Constituency, Hon. Augustine Uroye, and subsequently adopted through a voice vote conducted by the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi.
Earlier, in a moment rich in cultural significance, Governor Oborevwori was conferred with the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), the highest merit award of the Itsekiri nation.
Speaking during the conferment, the Olu of Warri said the honour was in recognition of the governor’s sterling leadership, humility, inclusive governance and commitment to peace, unity and development in Delta State.
The monarch explained that although the initiative began among politically active Itsekiris, particularly APC members, it later transformed into a collective aspiration embraced by the entire Itsekiri nation.
The royal father disclosed that the Royal Order of Iwere, established three years ago, was designed to honour exceptional Nigerians whose contributions positively impact society and humanity.
According to the Olu, Governor Oborevwori distinguished himself as worthy of becoming the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the prestigious honour because of his leadership style and relationship with the Itsekiri people.
In a symbolic ceremony attended by selected dignitaries and traditional authorities, the monarch formally proclaimed: “It gives me great pleasure to present to everyone, freshly minted, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Dr. Sheriff Oborevwori, ROI.”
In his welcome address, Prince Yemi Emiko said the reception was organised to honour President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their contributions to the growth and development of the Itsekiri nation.
He also appreciated Governor Oborevwori for supporting the emergence of a Palace Chief, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori accompanied by his wife Tobore, and Deputy Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed deep appreciation to the Itsekiri nation for the honour and solidarity shown to him and President Tinubu.
“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,” the governor said.
He described the endorsement as organic and unprecedented, noting that unlike in many political settings where endorsements are lobbied for, the support from the Itsekiri nation came willingly and sincerely.
“I have seen where people go and lobby for endorsements. This one is organic. I celebrate your organisational savvy, tenacity of purpose, and unalloyed loyalty to the unity and progress of our beloved Delta State,” he stated.
Governor Oborevwori commended the Itsekiri people for their unity, resilience and contributions to national development, while paying tribute to notable Itsekiri figures including the late Chief Nana Olomu, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the state, the governor recalled his inaugural pledge to uphold fairness and justice in the distribution of projects. “I said during my inaugural speech that Warri will wear a new face, and today we are keeping to our words,” he said.
The governor highlighted several infrastructure projects executed by his administration in Warri and riverine communities, including the ongoing rehabilitation of the Effurun Roundabout to NPA road and the completion of the 21-kilometre Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri road project with 15 bridges.
According to him, the road project, which had remained in the pipeline since 2006, connects several communities including Ubeji, Ode-Itsekiri, Ijala, Obodo, Omadino and other adjoining areas.
He also disclosed that the government had awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of the first five-kilometre stretch of the road and the electrification of Ode-Itsekiri to ensure the communities enjoy full benefits of the project.
The governor urged the Itsekiri nation to continue supporting his administration and that of President Tinubu, saying the President is “your in-law”.
He also commended the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, for promoting peace and unity within the kingdom and across Delta State.
In his remarks, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi praised President Tinubu’s reform agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural development efforts across Itsekiri communities.
He said: “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 into modern cities".
Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described the event as historic and commended Governor Oborevwori for building bridges of unity across the state.
He said: “You have done exceedingly well for our people. Time will not permit me to mention all the projects and achievements.
The event attracted several dignitaries including immediate past governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Senator representing Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Hon Julius Pondi, Hon Jonathan Ukodhiko, Hon Ejiro Waive, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor among others.
