By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Itsekiri nation on Sunday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Governor Oborevwori was simultaneously conferred with the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), the highest honour of the Itsekiri kingdom.
The endorsement and conferment took place during a grand civic reception held at the Olu Palace Ground in Warri, where political leaders, traditional rulers, party stakeholders, and prominent sons and daughters of the Itsekiri nation gathered to honour the President and the Delta State Governor.
The motion endorsing both leaders for re-election was moved by Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, who said continuity in leadership at both the federal and state levels would consolidate ongoing development and sustain the gains already recorded.
“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,” Ideh stated.
“I also move for the endorsement of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the workaholic Governor of Delta State, is seeking 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 a member representing Warri South I State Constituency, Hon. Augustine Uroye, and subsequently adopted through a voice vote supervised by a member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Thomas Ereyitomi.
In a major highlight of the event, Governor Oborevwori was decorated with the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), becoming the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the revered honour established by the Itsekiri kingdom three years ago to recognise exceptional leadership and contributions to humanity.
Speaking during the conferment ceremony, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, said the honour was bestowed on the governor in recognition of his humility, inclusive leadership style, commitment to peace, and developmental strides across Delta State.
The monarch disclosed that while the initiative for the honour began among politically active Itsekiris, especially members of the APC, it later evolved into a collective aspiration embraced by the wider Itsekiri nation.
According to the royal father, Governor Oborevwori distinguished himself through his relationship with the Itsekiri people and his administration’s commitment to fairness, infrastructure, and inclusive governance.
In a symbolic proclamation before dignitaries and traditional authorities, the monarch declared: “It gives me great pleasure to present to everyone, freshly minted, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Dr. Sheriff Oborevwori, ROI.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Prince Yemi Emiko said the reception was organised to appreciate President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their contributions to the development and political advancement of the Itsekiri nation.
He also thanked Governor Oborevwori for supporting the emergence of Chief Solomon Arenyeka as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State.
Responding to the endorsements and honour, Governor Oborevwori, who attended the event alongside his wife, Tobore, and Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, expressed deep appreciation to the Itsekiri nation for what he described as an overwhelming show of love and solidarity.
“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.
Oborevwori described the endorsement as “organic and unprecedented,” noting that, unlike politically engineered endorsements, the support from the Itsekiri nation came genuinely and voluntarily.
“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.
The governor commended the Itsekiri people for their unity, resilience, and longstanding contributions to national development, while paying tribute to notable Itsekiri figures, including the late Chief Nana Olomu, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable development, Oborevwori said his government remained focused on delivering infrastructure and economic opportunities across all parts of Delta State.
“I said during my inaugural speech that Warri will wear a new face, and today we are keeping to our words,” he declared.
The governor highlighted several ongoing and completed projects in Warri and adjoining riverine communities, including the rehabilitation of the Effurun Roundabout to 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, Omadino, and several adjoining settlements.
He further disclosed that contracts had already been awarded for the rehabilitation of the first five-kilometre stretch of the road and the electrification of Ode-Itsekiri community to ensure residents fully benefit from the infrastructure project.
The governor urged the Itsekiri nation to sustain its support for his administration and that of President Tinubu, whom he described as “your in-law,” while also commending the Olu of Warri for promoting peace and unity within the kingdom and across Delta State.
In his remarks, Hon. Ereyitomi praised President Tinubu’s reform agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural development efforts 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 into modern cities,” he said.
Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, also described the event as historic, commending Governor Oborevwori for fostering unity and inclusive development across the state.
“You have done exceedingly well for our people. Time will not permit me to mention all the projects and achievements,” Arenyeka stated.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator representing Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Hon. Julius Pondi, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Hon. Ejiro Waive, and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, among others.
