The Itsekiri nation on Sunday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement took place during a grand reception at the Olu Palace Ground in Warri, Delta State, where Governor Oborevwori was also conferred with the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), regarded as the highest honour of the Itsekiri kingdom.
The event, attended by political leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders across Delta State, marked a major political development in the South-South as political alignments ahead of 2027 continue to gather momentum.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, the motion endorsing Tinubu and Oborevwori was moved by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh.
Ideh said the endorsement reflected the confidence of the Itsekiri people in the leadership style and development agenda of both leaders.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The motion was seconded by Augustine Uroye and later adopted through a voice vote supervised by Thomas Ereyitomi.
Speaking at the event, Oborevwori described the endorsement as “organic” and unprecedented, noting that the palace traditionally avoids open political alignment.
“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,” the governor said.
“I have seen where people go and lobby for endorsements. This one is organic.”
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Royal Order of Iwere on Oborevwori by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The monarch said the honour was reserved for individuals whose leadership and contributions positively impact society, adding that Oborevwori became the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the award.
During his address, the governor highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects across Warri and 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 incomplete since 2006, now connects several communities including Ubeji, Ode-Itsekiri, Ijala, Obodo and Omadino.
Oborevwori also disclosed that contracts had been awarded for electrification projects and road rehabilitation in parts of Itsekiri land.
Several speakers at the event praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms and Oborevwori’s infrastructural projects across Delta State.
Among dignitaries present were former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, traditional rulers and party leaders.
