The Itsekiri nation on Sunday endorsed President Bola 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 for the endorsement was moved by Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, who said continuity in leadership would consolidate existing gains 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 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 motion was seconded by the member representing Warri South I State Constituency, Hon. Augustine Uroye, and later adopted through a voice vote conducted by the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi.
Earlier, 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 leadership, humility, inclusive governance, and commitment to peace and development in the State.
The monarch explained that although the initiative began among politically active Itsekiris, it later evolved into a collective decision of the entire Itsekiri nation.
He noted that the Royal Order of Iwere, established three years ago, was created to honour exceptional individuals whose contributions positively impact society and humanity.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori became the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the honour due to his leadership style and relationship with the Itsekiri people.
In a symbolic ceremony, 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 both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their contributions to the growth of the Itsekiri nation.
He also appreciated the governor for supporting the emergence of 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 appreciation for the honour and solidarity extended 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, saying it was not influenced by lobbying.
“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 restated his administration’s commitment to equitable development, recalling his pledge that Warri would be transformed.
“I said during my inaugural speech that Warri will wear a new face, and today we are keeping to our words,” he said.
He highlighted several infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Effurun Roundabout to NPA road and the 21-kilometre Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri road project with 15 bridges.
According to him, the road connects communities such as Ubeji, Ode-Itsekiri, Ijala, Obodo, and Omadino.
He added that contracts had also been awarded for road rehabilitation and electrification of Ode-Itsekiri.
The governor urged the Itsekiri nation to continue supporting his administration and President Tinubu, describing the President as “your in-law”.
He also commended the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, for promoting peace and unity across the kingdom.
In his remarks, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi praised both leaders for ongoing development projects in Itsekiri communities.
Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described the event as historic, commending the governor for fostering unity across the state.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including former governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and other top political figures.
