By Austin Ogwuda
The Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC) and Mayor of Urhoboland, His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Mayor Akpodoro has dropped a bombshell.
Speaking in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, Akpodoro argued that the governor has demonstrated more loyalty to his Okpe roots than to the collective Urhobo identity, which, according to him, undermines the unity and progress of the Urhobo people.
He expressed disappointment over the governor’s handling of the Okuama crisis in Ughelli South, noting that his delayed response to the plight of the community reflected insensitivity. He further lamented the continued detention of prominent Urhobo sons, including a professor from Delta State University, Abraka, without visible intervention from the governor.
Akpodoro accused him of neglecting Urhobo interests and “wasting the Urhobo slot”.
Said he, “Former governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ifeanyi Okowa empowered their people within two years in office. Who has Oborevwori lifted among Urhobo youths? Where are the contracts, the empowerment, the recognition of our leaders?”, he asked.
He therefore warned that if the governor continues on this path, Urhobo leaders and youths may reconsider their political support ahead of 2027, stressing that the community would not allow its turn in power to be squandered before it rotates to Delta South in 2031.
“The governor”, he went on, “owes Urhobo a duty of responsibility and patronage. We demand respect for our elders, empowerment for our youths, and recognition of our place in the state. Anything short of this, and 2027 may be a mirage for him”, Akpodoro warned.
… Ethnic card must be weighed in equity, good conscience – Governor
But in a sharp reaction the governor said he was not ready to play any ethnic card to the detriment of other senatorial districts of the State.
He made it clear that “ethnic card must be weighed in equity and good conscience”.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori spoke through the Director General of Delta State Bureau for Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe.
According to him, “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not willing to play ethnic chauvinism card in Delta State. He made it clear from the outset that he’s governor for all Deltans.
“In the light of the above, it is difficult to appreciate the unfounded allegations of Israel Akpodoro, who alleged that the governor is wasting Urhobo slot in governance, thereby encouraging Oborevwori to explore the tribal bigotry option.
“As clearly outlined above, governor Oborevwori’s leadership style is unique and personalized, not compared to another. He’s in a class all by himself, making waves in all sectors of the state economy, and majority of Deltans are happy and proud of their governor.
“It’s important to State that the governor is not unaware of his ethnic origin, but not favourably disposed to ethnic card in governance that is inimical to peaceful coexistence, equity, justice and good conscience.
“Progressive 21st century leaders govern with the fear of God, focused on equity and what will benefit majority of the people, and governor Oborevwori is one of such leaders.
“The game of politics and strategic leadership is multidimensional with multifaceted approaches, and in phases. Governor Oborevwori is an experienced politician with excessive local content, he knows the game. The UKODO (quality dividends of democracy) will surely go round,” Oghenesivbe assured.
