Warri Dispute: President Tinubu, Gov Oborevwori Secure Settlement with Ethnic Leaders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with leaders of the Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities in Abuja to broker a peaceful resolution to the months-long dispute over the ward and polling unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.

The high-level meeting was attended by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and key stakeholders from the three ethnic groups whose communities make up Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South West LGAs.

The delineation exercise, conducted by INEC following a Supreme Court order, has sparked protests and counter-protests in recent months, with each group raising concerns over fairness, representation, and demographic figures.

At the end of the meeting, Governor Oborevwori announced that parties had agreed to terms of settlement aimed at ensuring peace and justice in the constituency.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to Mr President for his decisive intervention in resolving the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation matter,” Oborevwori said.

He also commended ethnic leaders and stakeholders who accepted the agreement, describing their action as a demonstration of commitment to “peace, justice and unity.”

“This is a time for all of us to come together as one people, strengthen our bonds of brotherhood, and work collectively for the peace, stability and progress of our state,” the governor added. “United, we can achieve greater development and ensure harmonious coexistence for present and future generations.”

Oborevwori urged all parties to prioritize the interest of Delta State and expressed optimism that the outcome of Tinubu’s intervention would strengthen unity among the people.

INEC had earlier restored Warri South West II and Warri North II State Constituencies for the 2027 elections, a move linked to the Supreme Court-mandated delineation. The President’s mediation is expected to ease tension and allow the electoral process to proceed without further disruption.