In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Itsekiri nation on Sunday broke long-standing palace tradition to formally endorse President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term in office.

The historic event held at the palace of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, where Governor Oborevwori was also conferred with the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) by the revered monarch.

In what Governor Oborevwori described as an unprecedented political endorsement within the revered traditional institution, the governor said the decision of the palace and the Itsekiri nation to openly identify with him and President Tinubu demonstrated the depth of love and confidence reposed in their administrations.

Addressing the gathering, Oborevwori assured that he will continue to embark on projects that will bring development to Iwereland.

He recalled his inaugural speech where he pledged to transform Warri and restated his commitment to following through with the pledge.

The governor expressed gratitude to the monarch and the Itsekiri people for the overwhelming and organic show of support.

“I am deeply humbled by this grand reception. I cannot quantify this organic show of welcome. It is humbling to me and Mr President.

“I appreciate the entire Itsekiri nation on behalf of Mr President for officially endorsing Mr President and my humble self for a second term.

“I know the laws of this palace, that you don’t take sides for political reasons. But because of the love you have for me and Mr President, you did this,” he said.

The governor also thanked the Olu of Warri for the honour bestowed on him with the Royal Order of Iwere and commended the monarch’s commitment to peace and unity in Warri Kingdom.

He equally appreciated his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, for her support and hospitality.

Oborevwori, while reeling out achievements of his administration, said no local government area in the state had been left untouched in terms of development projects.

Listing notable Itsekiri sons and daughters who had contributed immensely to national development, including former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the governor recalled his inaugural promise that “Warri will wear a new face.”

According to him, the administration had remained committed to that vision through massive infrastructural development across the state.

“The flagship 21-kilometre road project with 15 bridges has been completed under this administration,” he stated.

He disclosed that the rehabilitation of failed sections of roads in the area had already been awarded and assured the people that the projects would be completed within weeks to enable commissioning of the stat project.

Oborevwori also announced the award of the Ode-Itsekiri electrification project to an Itsekiri contractor, stressing that the move was aimed at ensuring accountability and ownership by the community.

“I ask the Itsekiri nation to continue to support our administration and that of President Bola Tinubu. Your support and prayers will make us do well,” he added.

In his address, the Olu of Warri remarked that he would have gone further to confer a chieftaincy title on the governor, but refrained out of respect for the presence of the Orodje of Okpe, His Majesty Orhue I.

He further prayed for wisdom and the spirit of discernement to enable the governor to govern the state.

Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described the gathering as divinely ordained and prayed for wisdom, strength and fairness for the governor in leadership.

Chairman of the planning committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, said the gathering was beyond politics and represented a moment of reflection on purposeful leadership.

“As a people, we believe leadership should be evaluated not by promises but by visible steps that impact the lives of the people,” Ideh stated.

He commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms and praised the inclusion of Itsekiri sons and daughters in key national appointments, including positions in the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Ideh also acknowledged the infrastructural projects executed by the Oborevwori administration across the three Warri local government areas and appealed for the remaining riverine communities to be linked by road infrastructure.

He subsequently moved the motion for the formal endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for second terms in office.

“I therefore, on behalf of the entire Itsekiri ethnic nationality, move this motion for the endorsement of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

“Similarly, I proudly move that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the workaholic governor, be endorsed for a second term in office as Governor of Delta State,” he declared.

The motion was seconded by Hon. Augustine Uroye, representing Warri South Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, while Chief Ereyitomi formally confirmed its adoption by the people through a resounding voice vote.

Earlier, Prince Yemi Emiko, in his welcome address, described the gathering as a celebration of leadership and development.

Several speakers at the event extolled the leadership qualities of both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.

The event featured rich cultural performances by the people of Ugbolokposo community, whose colourful traditional displays thrilled guests and added glamour to the historic occasion.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; members of the National and Delta State House of Assembly; commissioners; council chairmen; party leaders; and traditional rulers including the Orodje of Okpe, the Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom, His Majesty Kalanama VIII and the Ovie of Uvwie, HM Abe I. (The Nation)

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