Warri — Prominent Ijaw leaders and thousands of community members have endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in 2027. The endorsement came during a grand reception in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, organized by the Delta Ijaw Political Leaders in honour of Governor Oborevwori.
The motion for endorsement was moved by House of Representatives member Hon. Julius Pondi, seconded by state legislator Hon. Kenneth Oboro, and put to a voice vote by Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor.
Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri attended the event and commended his Delta counterpart for prioritizing development in Ijaw communities. Other notable attendees included Speaker Guwor, President of the Ijaw National Congress Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum conferred the title “Izonebimiewei” (meaning “the man that does good for Ijaw people”) on Governor Oborevwori in recognition of his developmental strides. Among the traditional rulers present were HRM Joseph Timiyan, Ebenana-owei of Ogulagha Kingdom; HRM Pere Kalanama VIII, Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom; HRM Danladi Foubiri Owoupele, Audio III, Ebenana-owei of Tarakiri Kingdom; HRM Ekio-emi John Owei-agbe, Ebenana-owei of Operemor Kingdom; and HRM (Barr) Peremobowei Shedrach Erebulu, Audio III, Ebenana-owei of Kabowei Kingdom.
Governor Oborevwori expressed deep gratitude for the honour and overwhelming support, saying he felt like an Ijaw man among his people. He noted that his administration has invested over N400 billion in developing Ijaw communities and pledged to reciprocate the endorsement with political appointments and infrastructure projects.
“I feel highly honoured to be here among the Ijaw nation. For me, this is the highest honour and I appreciate it. The atmosphere and reception feel like homecoming. Today I feel like an Ijaw man,” Oborevwori said.
He recalled the steadfast support of the Ijaw people during challenging times, describing their backing as a source of strength. “I thank the Ijaw people for the award and for endorsing me and Mr. President. I do not take it for granted. I will reciprocate that love through appointment and infrastructure development,” he added.
