Oborevwori Calls For Calm Amid Contentious INEC Ward Delineation In Warri.
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged residents of Warri Federal Constituency to remain calm and exercise restraint amid rising tensions over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent ward delineation exercise. The governor’s plea comes in the wake of heated debates and protests sparked by the controversial reorganisation of electoral wards in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, a process ordered by a Supreme Court judgement on 2 December 2022.
Speaking through a statement released by his office, Governor Oborevwori appealed to all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth groups, and ethnic nationalities—namely the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities—to guide their utterances and actions to preserve peace in the region. “I call on the people of Warri Federal Constituency to remain calm and law-abiding as we navigate this sensitive issue,” he said, emphasising the need for dialogue and unity to address concerns arising from the delineation.
The INEC exercise, concluded and presented to stakeholders on 5 April 2025 in Asaba, has stirred significant controversy. According to the report unveiled by Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, Warri North LGA now comprises 18 wards, with 10 allocated to the Ijaw and 8 to the Itsekiri. Warri South-West LGA has 19 wards, with the Ijaw dominating 14 and the Itsekiri holding 5. Warri South LGA features 20 wards, distributed as follows: Ijaw (3), Itsekiri (8), and Urhobo (9). While some, including Ijaw and Urhobo leaders, have hailed the process as a step towards correcting historical electoral imbalances, Itsekiri groups, such as the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, have rejected the delineation, labelling it “biased, compromised, and inequitable” and threatening legal action.
Tensions escalated in May when Itsekiri youths staged a violent protest at Okumagba Estate in Okere-Urhobo, chanting war songs and attacking the image of High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and his security firm, TANTITA. The protesters also threatened conflict with their Ijaw and Urhobo neighbours if INEC did not reverse its decision. In response, Ijaw and Urhobo leaders held a joint press conference on 30 April, urging INEC to stand firm and complete the process based on empirical data and lawful guidelines.
Governor Oborevwori acknowledged the deep-seated concerns but cautioned against actions that could reignite ethnic hostilities reminiscent of the 1990s Warri crisis. “We must guard our words and deeds to prevent a return to the dark days of division,” he warned, calling on the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi, to investigate recent incidents and ensure accountability to maintain peace. He also encouraged all parties to channel grievances through lawful means, such as dialogue with INEC or legal recourse, rather than resorting to violence or intimidation.
INEC has clarified that no final decision has been taken, with National Commissioner Sam Olumekun stating on 10 April that the commission is still open to observations from stakeholders to refine the draft report. The electoral body reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, and adherence to the Supreme Court’s directive.
As the situation unfolds, Governor Oborevwori’s call for calm underscores his administration’s focus on fostering peace and unity in Delta State. Residents and observers alike hope that constructive engagement will resolve the contentious issue, ensuring a delineation process that reflects equity and strengthens democracy in Warri Federal Constituency.
