‘Fight After 2031, I Won’t Lose Votes Over Crisis’ – Gov Oborevwori’s Controversial Outburst on Warri Crisis

Tensions are rising in Delta State over controversial comments made by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori regarding the ongoing ethnic conflict in Warri, sparked by recent INEC ward delineation exercises.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports in a bid to prevent further unrest among the ethnic groups—Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw—the governor urged them to hold off on hostilities until his term ends in 2031.

He made this appeal during the funeral of Mrs. Grace Agbolayah, mother of his Senior Adviser on Community Development,
Dr. Toyin Agbolayah held at the African Church, Central Missionary Diocese, Warri.

In a viral video, Oborevwori disclosed he has been pressured to comment on the crisis but deliberately chose to remain silent to avoid appearing biased toward any ethnic group.

He emphasized that his political survival hinges on maintaining neutrality, stating he doesn’t want to risk losing votes by speaking out prematurely.

His words; “People say I don’t talk. To Warri people—if you want to fight, fight after 2031. Don’t fight during my time,” he said, drawing applause.

“The Itsekiris voted for me, the Ijaws voted for me, and the Urhobos voted for me. They love me. Even in my own place, I failed some local governments… So, you want me to talk? Talk what? What do you want me to say? You want me to lose votes? I will not speak. But in all and all, we need unity.”

He condemned the use of social media to spread falsehoods and incite violence, noting that many of those fueling discord had not experienced the devastating past ethnic crises that crippled Warri’s economy and displaced families.

“Some of these young children of today did not witness it. During the crisis, only my father’s house in Ighorue Street in Warri was not burnt because I wrote ‘Sheriff Papa House’ on it. That was what saved it. Every other house, even a nearby two-storey building, was burnt down. I witnessed it. Do we still want that in Warri?”, the governor queried.

He called for unity and peace among the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw communities.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to developing Warri and emphasized his role as a leader for all ethnic groups, not favoring one over another.

“This Warri dey sweet me for body,” he said. Adding that, “Some of you have children who will take you abroad. I don’t have any other home. This is the only home I have.”, he affirmed.

Addressing rumors about his recent meeting with respected Itsekiri leader Justice Rewane, he clarified it was a peace gesture, not political intrigue.

“Justice Rewane is a Chief Strategist. I know him well. He can instigate crisis in this Warri, but he also knows that his senior brother is now the governor, and he won’t do that. He’s a good man, a courageous man. And when you see people who can cause problems, you manage them. I’m telling you the truth. People will not understand. He raised some of these boys”.

Oborevwori, a proud Urhobo, recounted the horrors of previous conflicts, including the destruction of much of Warri during past crises.

He appealed to residents to avoid repeating those painful episodes. He also defended his leadership style, built on ‘street credibility’, and reminded citizens that he is committed to unity and progress.

“When I was contesting, I told people that I am a man with street credibility and local content. I’m not diaspora, I am local, and they gave me their votes. Now that I am governor, I say I am governor for all. Do I need to take sides? I will not do that.”

He urged residents and social media users to promote peace rather than division, emphasizing that his focus remains on the development and stability of Warri.

“People are using social media to cause crisis. You don’t do that. I want to develop this Warri. That’s my focus. Those who are talking do not live in this town. Pray for those in authority and pray for peace in Warri”, he said.