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2027: Urhobo Monarchs Warn Against Political Division, Endorse Oborevwori as Sole Governorship Candidate
The Ukoko R’ Ivie R’ Urhobo (Forum of Urhobo Traditional Rulers) has unanimously declared their support for incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the ‘sole’ gubernatorial candidate for the Urhobo people in a decisive move aimed at safeguarding the unity and peace of the Urhobo nation ahead the 2027 Delta State governorship election.
The traditional rulers also issued a stern warning to political contenders against fostering division and violence across Urhobo land during the electoral campaigns.
This was contained in a press conference text read at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe 1, JP, OON, in Effurun, Delta State, after a high-level meeting held at the palace.
The monarchs expressed growing concern over rising political tension, hostility, and thuggery threatening the peace and cohesion of the Urhobo ethnic group.
Following extensive deliberations, the monarchs unanimously adopted a resolution supporting Sheriff Oborevwori, the current governor of Delta State, as the “sole” Urhobo candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
They emphasized that no other Urhobo candidate would be recognized or blessed by their traditional institutions, urging all sons and daughters of Urhobo to rally behind the incumbent.
His Majesty Obukowho Monday A. Whiskey, PhD, Udurhie I, Ovie of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, who spoke on behalf of the forum, stated, “Our primary responsibility is to preserve the unity and peace of the Urhobo nation. The rising political tension and hostility threaten this stability, and we cannot allow personal ambitions to divide us. Therefore, we endorse Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term to sustain the development and progress he has brought to Delta State.”
The monarchs’ declaration comes amid concerns over escalating political rivalry and violence in Delta Central Senatorial District.
“Recently, we have observed a concerning rise in political tension, hostility, and political thuggery across the Urhobo land. As royal fathers, we cannot sit back and watch our sons and daughters tear themselves apart over political ambitions. Politics should be a peaceful civic engagement, not a do-or-die affair. Driven by this concern, we convened a consultative meeting with our sons who are governorship candidates across various political parties to counsel them on the need for peace, restraints, and brotherhood,” they said.
While the traditional rulers remain apolitical, they expressed disappointment that most governorship candidates did not honor invitations to discuss issues affecting the Urhobo nation.
Only one candidate attended the consultative meeting. The incumbent governor, Elder Chief Sheriff Oborevwori of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Attorney General of the state, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and PDP governorship candidate, was conspicuously absent, but Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly sent three delegations to the meeting.
The forum’s chairman, HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Uvwie Kingdom, who is holidaying abroad but spoke through his Vice, HRM Akporhiere Okukemen III, Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom, while fielding questions from journalists, reiterated the importance of supporting a single candidate to prevent vote-splitting and ensure the collective strength of Urhobo people in the governorship race.
His Majesty, Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, Ataneru Igbi II, said it would be a negation of the decision already taken by the forum if they would still accept other governorship candidates who may approach their palaces to consult.
“Our decision is that we have one candidate, and that is who we will rally around. We will not receive any other one,” he said, adding that receiving another candidate for the same position would amount to going back on the collective decision.
“Our decision is rooted in the desire to maintain peace, promote brotherhood, and ensure that Urhobo’s interest is protected in the political landscape,” he said.
The monarchs warned political players and supporters to pursue their ambitions peacefully, emphasizing that violence and thuggery would not be tolerated.
They also urged Urhobo youths to resist manipulation by political actors seeking to destabilize communities.
The monarchs stressed that the election should serve as a unifying force rather than a source of discord.
They urged all Urhobo people to place the collective progress of their nation above individual political interests, ensuring that the upcoming election strengthens bonds rather than destroys them.