WARRI/Nigeria: The Itsekiri nation on Sunday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also conferring the governor with the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), the highest honour of the Itsekiri kingdom.
The endorsement was initiated through a motion moved by Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, seconded by member representing Warri South I State Constituency, Hon. Augustine Uroye, and adopted through a voice vote conducted by member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, during a grand reception held at the Olu Palace Ground in Warri.
The colourful event, organised by the Itsekiri nation in honour of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, attracted an array of political leaders, traditional rulers, party stalwarts and prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom.
Moving the motion, Dr. Ideh said continuity in leadership at both the federal and state levels would consolidate ongoing development efforts and sustain the gains already achieved.
“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,” he said.
The ceremony also witnessed a major cultural milestone as Governor Oborevwori was conferred with the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), regarded as the highest merit award of the Itsekiri nation.
Speaking during the conferment, 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 dedication to development across Delta State.
The monarch disclosed that although the initiative initially emerged among politically active Itsekiris, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), it later evolved into a collective aspiration embraced by the entire Itsekiri nation.
He explained that the Royal Order of Iwere, established three years ago, was created to recognise outstanding Nigerians whose contributions positively impact humanity and society.
According to the revered monarch, Governor Oborevwori became the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the honour because of his relationship with the Itsekiri people and his style of governance.
In a symbolic proclamation witnessed by dignitaries and traditional authorities, the Olu 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 address, Prince Yemi Emiko said the reception was organised to appreciate President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their contributions to the growth and development of the Itsekiri nation.
He also commended Governor Oborevwori for supporting the emergence of Palace Chief, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, as Chairman of the APC in Delta State.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori, accompanied by his wife, Tobore, and Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed gratitude to the Itsekiri nation for the honour and overwhelming show of 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.
He described the endorsement as unique and voluntary, noting that unlike politically arranged endorsements often secured through lobbying, the support from the Itsekiri nation was genuine and freely given.
“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 also paid tribute to notable Itsekiri personalities including the late Chief Nana Olomu, former Finance Minister Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, former governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable development, the governor recalled his inauguration promise to ensure fairness in project distribution across the state.
“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 infrastructural projects being executed in Warri and riverine communities, including the rehabilitation of the Effurun Roundabout-NPA road and the completion of the 21-kilometre Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri road with 15 bridges.
He noted that the road, which had remained uncompleted since 2006, now links communities including Ubeji, Ode-Itsekiri, Ijala, Obodo, Omadino and adjoining settlements.
According to him, additional contracts had also been awarded for the rehabilitation of the first five-kilometre stretch of the road and electrification projects in Ode-Itsekiri.
The governor urged the Itsekiri nation to continue supporting 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.
In his remarks, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi praised President Tinubu’s reform policies and Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructure drive 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, described the event as historic and lauded Governor Oborevwori for fostering unity and inclusiveness across Delta State.
The event was attended by 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.
