Governor Oborevwori receives prestigious Royal Order of Iwere honour
The Itsekiri nation on Sunday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement as Governor Oborevwori was conferred with the prestigious Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), regarded as the highest honour of the Itsekiri nation.
The event took place at the Olu Palace Ground in Warri during a colourful reception organised by the Itsekiri nation in honour of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, attracting political leaders, traditional rulers, party faithful, and notable sons and daughters of the kingdom.
The motion for the endorsement of both leaders was moved by Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Alex Ideh, who stated that continuity in leadership at both the federal and state levels would help consolidate ongoing developmental gains.
According to him, the endorsement reflected the confidence of the Itsekiri people in the leadership qualities, developmental strides, and commitment demonstrated by both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.
The motion was seconded by the member representing Warri South I State Constituency, Hon. Augustine Uroye, and subsequently adopted through a voice vote conducted by the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Thomas Ereyitomi.
In a major highlight of the event, Governor Oborevwori was decorated with the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in recognition of what the monarch described as the governor’s exemplary leadership, humility, inclusive governance, and commitment to peace and development in Delta State.
The monarch explained that although the initiative initially emerged among politically active Itsekiri stakeholders, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress, it later evolved into a collective aspiration embraced by the wider Itsekiri nation.
According to the royal father, the Royal Order of Iwere, established three years ago, was created to honour outstanding Nigerians whose contributions positively impact humanity and society.
He noted that Governor Oborevwori became the first non-Itsekiri recipient of the honour due to his leadership style and relationship with the Itsekiri people.
During the symbolic conferment ceremony attended by traditional authorities and dignitaries, the monarch formally proclaimed Governor Oborevwori as a recipient of the revered honour.
In his welcome address, Prince Yemi Emiko said the reception was organised to appreciate President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their contributions to the development and progress of the Itsekiri nation.
He also commended Governor Oborevwori for supporting the emergence of Chief Solomon Arenyeka as Chairman of the APC in Delta State.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori, accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, and Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, expressed profound appreciation to the Itsekiri nation for the honour and solidarity shown to him and President Tinubu.
The governor described the endorsement as organic and sincere, noting that unlike endorsements often secured through political lobbying, the support from the Itsekiri nation came voluntarily and reflected genuine confidence in the leadership of both administrations.
Governor Oborevwori praised the Itsekiri people for their unity, resilience, and contributions to national development, while paying tribute to prominent Itsekiri personalities including the late Chief Nana Olomu, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable development across Delta State, the governor recalled his inaugural promise to ensure fairness in the distribution of projects and infrastructure.
He highlighted key projects being executed in Warri and surrounding riverine communities, including the ongoing 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 dormant since 2006, now connects several communities including Ubeji, Ode-Itsekiri, Ijala, Obodo, Omadino, and neighbouring areas.
The governor also disclosed that contracts had been awarded for the rehabilitation of the first five-kilometre stretch of the road as well as the electrification of Ode-Itsekiri to ensure residents fully benefit from the infrastructure.
He 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 within the kingdom and Delta State at large.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi praised President Tinubu’s reform agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural interventions across Itsekiri communities, noting that several projects were transforming the area and improving connectivity among communities.
Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described the gathering as historic and applauded Governor Oborevwori for fostering unity and inclusive governance across the state.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Senator representing Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Hon. Julius Pondi; Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; Hon. Ejiro Waive; and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, among others.
