Oborevwori Assures Ogbe-Ijoh, Aladja of Fair, Peaceful Resolution Amidst Ijaw Leaders’ Demands
WARRI/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his commitment to a fair and peaceful resolution of the long-standing crisis between Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South West and Aladja in Udu Local Government Areas. The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a visit to Ijaw traditional rulers and political leaders at the Ugborikoko residence of the Pere of Ogulagha Kingdom, Captain (Elder) Joseph Timiyen, who also chairs the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers’ Forum.
Oborevwori commended the communities for heeding his earlier call for peace and refraining from further hostilities. He assured them that his administration would remain impartial in addressing the dispute. “I urge you to remain peaceful, and I want to assure you that we will handle this matter with fairness. There will be no sentiment in resolving the crisis,” the governor stated.
Beyond the peace efforts, the governor expressed gratitude to the Ijaw ethnic nationality for their unwavering support in the 2023 governorship election, acknowledging their patience and solidarity throughout his administration’s early months. He emphasized that significant developmental projects had been approved for Ijaw communities in the recent State Executive Council meeting.
“I was here during the election, and you prayed for me. I wanted to return after my Supreme Court victory, but I needed to ensure the approval of projects across the Ijaw Nation, which I have now done. Your patience and trust in my leadership mean a lot to me,” Oborevwori said.
The governor also used the visit to extend condolences to the Ijaw Nation over the passing of elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark, noting that he had personally visited Kiagbodo to pay his respects.
Responding to the concerns of Ijaw leaders, Oborevwori assured them that the Ayakoromo Bridge project remained a priority and was secured under an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO). He also announced the establishment of a model school in Gbaramatu while pledging to address other infrastructural and developmental needs presented during the visit.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, Captain (Elder) Joseph Timiyen, lauded the governor for his visit and reaffirmed the Ijaw nation’s continued support for his administration. He urged the government to deploy more teachers to riverine communities to improve educational standards.
Other traditional rulers echoed demands for tertiary institutions in Ijawland, completion of key infrastructure projects, restoration of electricity to Isaba Kingdom, and a lasting resolution to the Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja crisis.
With Oborevwori’s renewed assurances, expectations remain high that his administration will deliver on its promises to the Ijaw people while fostering peace and development in the region.
