Warri South Politics: Urhobo Demand Party Chairmanship to Restore Equity By

 






WARRI 

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) ramps up preparations for its 2026 party congresses, the Urhobo people of Warri South Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State, have formally demanded that the position of Party Chairman be ceded to their bloc, citing decades of political exclusion and a pressing need to restore equity, inclusiveness, and balance in local governance.

In a jointly signed position statement, prominent Urhobo leaders and stakeholders decried what they described as long-standing marginalization of their people in both party and council leadership positions since the return to democratic governance in 1998. 

The statement jointly signed by Olorogun Bernard Okumagba (Chairman), Chief Benson Obire (Vice Chairman), Hon. Mark Ikpuri, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, JP, Chief Isaac Emifoniye, JP, Chief Vincent Okudolor, JP (Secretary), Rev. Canon Dr. David Otofia, Chief Dr. Westham Adehor, JP, Chief Ann Gagiyovwin, JP, Chief Peter Agiri, JP, among others reads in part.

Warri South LGA comprises of  two dominant ethnic blocs — Urhobo and Itsekiri — but Urhobo leaders argued that political leadership has been monopolised by the Itsekiri bloc for over two decades. 

Accord to the statement  the position of Council Chairman has remained exclusively with the Itsekiri, with past holders including Chief J.S. Otumara, Barrister Fred Enemighin, Chief Arthur Diden, Hon. Austin Uroye, Mofe Edema, Dr. Michael Tidi, and the current chairman, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro.

Similarly, the office of APC Party Chairman in Warri South has also remained in Itsekiri hands since 1998, with former and current chairmen including Dr. Meyiwa Erewa, Amah Agbajoh, Johnson Agbeyegbe, Hon. Richard Pessu, and Mario Owumi.

“For over 28 years, both political and party leadership in Warri South has been dominated by one ethnic bloc. This persistent imbalance undermines the principles of fairness, equity, inclusiveness, and democratic governance,” the statement read.

The Urhobo bloc emphasized that their call is not borne out of hostility or ethnic rivalry, but stems from a legitimate demand for inclusion and equal participation in the governance and political leadership of Warri South. They highlighted that neighbouring local governments, including Warri South West and Warri North, have adopted power-sharing arrangements between ethnic blocs, particularly the Ijaw and Itsekiri, promoting peaceful coexistence, political stability, and grassroot inclusion despite similar demographic compositions.

The leaders warned that the continued marginalization of Urhobo people from strategic political positions in Warri South is unjust, undemocratic, and potentially destabilising, threatening unity, cohesion, and the long-term stability of the APC in the local government.

Reaffirming their loyalty to the party and government at all levels, the Urhobo bloc pledged unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the M.O.R.E Agenda of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that their demand for equity aligns fully with the principles of inclusive governance, fairness, and shared prosperity.

The statement concluded by urging party leaders, elders, and stakeholders to embrace equity and inclusiveness in Warri South as the surest pathway to lasting unity, cohesion, and democratic growth within the APC, emphasizing that granting the Party Chairmanship to  Urhobo would restore balance and strengthen grassroot confidence in the political process.

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