09, June 2026
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday stepped into the rising tensions over the ward and polling unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, holding a high-level peace meeting with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups at Government House, Asaba.
The meeting gathered key ethnic leaders, heads of security agencies, and senior government officials to address growing concerns around the delineation exercise and to chart a path for dialogue and stability in the area.
*Governor’s Call for Unity*
Addressing the stakeholders, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that peace and security are core pillars of his administration’s MORE Agenda. He said maintaining harmony in Warri Federal Constituency was non-negotiable.
“We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The stakeholders have assured me that they will keep to the peace accord. Under the MORE Agenda, we have promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we do not need any crisis in our dear state,” the Governor stated.
He described Warri as “one family” and insisted that dialogue remained the best tool for resolving disputes. “There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue. That is why I called this meeting, even at short notice. We are ready to work together and sustain the peace we are enjoying,” he added. Oborevwori pledged continued collaboration with security agencies and all ethnic nationalities to guarantee lasting peace in the constituency and across Delta State.
*Ethnic Leaders Commit to Peace*
Speaking for the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Chief Godspower Gbenekama praised the Governor’s intervention and reaffirmed the Ijaw commitment to peace.
“The Governor has given us a marching order to ensure there is no crisis. I assure the people of Delta State that no Ijaw man will attack any Itsekiri man or village. It will not happen. By the grace of God, there will be continuous peace,” Gbenekama said.
Representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Olorogun Victor Okumagba noted that issues around the ward and unit delineation had been threatening peace in Warri for some time.
“Today, the Governor brought together the three ethnic nationalities, and after extensive discussions, we agreed that all parties should sheath their swords. We have also agreed to maintain and sustain peace for the benefit of all residents of Warri Federal Constituency,” he said.
On behalf of the Itsekiri, Chief Ayirimi Emami confirmed their position on the delineation was presented at the meeting but added that the Governor’s directive had been accepted.
“We came with our position regarding the ward delineation issue, but the Governor has spoken and directed that everyone should keep their swords. We have all agreed to maintain peace and will return home to relay the message to our people,” Emami stated.
*Outcome and Significance*
The meeting concluded with a unanimous pledge by leaders of the three ethnic groups to uphold peace and embrace dialogue. Political observers view the intervention as a major step toward defusing tensions and reinforcing inter-ethnic harmony in the oil-rich Warri Federal Constituency.
