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WARRI, Nigeria – The Itsekiri nation on Sunday gave a resounding endorsement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections. The endorsement came during a grand reception at the Olu Palace Ground in Warri, where Governor Oborevwori was also conferred with the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), the highest honour of the Itsekiri people.

The event drew a powerful assembly of political leaders, traditional rulers, party faithful, and prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom.

The motion to endorse both leaders was moved by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, who argued that continuity in leadership would consolidate developmental gains at both federal and state levels.

“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,” Dr. Ideh declared.

“I also move for the endorsement of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the workaholic Governor of Delta State, for a second term. This endorsement reflects our confidence in their leadership, commitment to development, and dedication to the progress of our people.”

The motion was seconded by Hon. Augustine Uroye, member representing Warri South I State Constituency, and adopted via a voice vote conducted by Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, representative for Warri Federal Constituency.

In a moment rich with cultural significance, the Olu of Warri conferred the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) on Governor Oborevwori—marking the first time the honour has been bestowed on a non-Itsekiri. The monarch said the award recognised the governor’s sterling leadership, humility, inclusive governance, and commitment to peace and development in Delta State.

“It gives me great pleasure to present to everyone, freshly minted, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Dr. Sheriff Oborevwori, ROI,” the Olu proclaimed.

Prince Yemi Emiko, in his welcome address, noted that the reception honoured President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their contributions to the Itsekiri nation. He also thanked the governor for supporting the emergence of Chief Solomon Arenyeka, a Palace Chief, as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.

Responding, an visibly moved Governor Oborevwori, accompanied by his wife Tobore and Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, described the endorsement as “organic and unprecedented.”

“I have seen where people go and lobby for endorsements. This one is organic,” the governor said. “I celebrate your organisational savvy, tenacity of purpose, and unalloyed loyalty to the unity and progress of our beloved Delta State.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development, pointing to ongoing projects in Warri and riverine communities, including the rehabilitation of the Effurun Roundabout road and the completion of the 21-kilometre Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri road project with 15 bridges—a project first proposed in 2006.

“I said during my inaugural speech that Warri will wear a new face, and today we are keeping to our words,” Oborevwori said, urging the Itsekiri nation to continue supporting President Tinubu, whom he called “your in-law.”

The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including immediate past governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and several federal and state lawmakers.