Chief Sheriff Blessing Mulade, PhD, who is seeking to represent Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of the National Democratic Party (NDP), has visited four traditional rulers to present his development agenda and seek royal blessings ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The consultations took him to the palaces of the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Monbene III; the Pere of Isaba Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ogbobere Isoun VI; and the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Owhotemu II.
Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom and a United Nations Peace Ambassador, said his aspiration was anchored on effective, inclusive and people-oriented representation for Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas.
His seven-point agenda covers purpose-driven representation, unity and reconciliation, people-oriented representation, inclusion, economic empowerment and sustainable development, employment generation, and environmental protection.
During his visit to the Olu of Warri on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Mulade identified the revival and completion of the abandoned Escravos Free Trade Zone project and the resuscitation of Koko Seaport as economic priorities he would pursue through engagement with relevant authorities if elected.
He also highlighted agriculture, fisheries and skills acquisition as areas that could expand opportunities for residents.
According to the account of the visit, Ogiame Atuwatse III acknowledged Mulade’s contributions to peace and unity, including football tournaments bringing young people and communities together, and described him as qualified and capable of seeking to represent the constituency.
The monarch, who received the delegation alongside his Council of Chiefs, offered prayers for Mulade’s aspiration and the resources required for the task ahead.
Speaking afterwards, Mulade expressed appreciation for the reception. The engagement followed an earlier visit to the Pere of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba.
At Ogbe-Ijoh on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Mulade focused on the revival of Warri Port, improved healthcare and greater federal attention to the headquarters of Warri South-West Local Government Area.
He argued that increased port activities could generate employment for young people and expand trading opportunities for women across the constituency.
“My dream is to ensure at the National Assembly that the Warri Port must come alive,” he said.
Mulade also called for adequate, functional healthcare facilities in Ogbe-Ijoh and proposed regular constituency town hall meetings where residents could discuss priorities and assess his performance.
The Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh offered royal prayers after receiving copies of the agenda alongside members of the traditional council.
Those present included Chief Paul Yeinanaebegha, JP, Olotuawei of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom; Chief Seibiribo Johnson, Ibe-Perekekewei and Assistant Council Secretary; Chief A.O. Jolomi, Fungewei; Chief Eric Igangang, Amabenemowei; and Chief Sylvester Tiebebedigha, JP, Doumiawei.
During the Isaba consultation September 30, 2026, Mulade formally informed the monarch of his intention to contest, describing himself as a son of the kingdom whose previous service as a community youth president, secretary and chairman had shaped his approach to leadership.
He said the constituency’s natural and human resources required competent representation to translate its potential into benefits for residents. However, he acknowledged the limits of legislative office.
“I don’t want to promise executive projects because I am a legislator,” he said. “I say what I will do, and that is what I can do.”
Mulade advocated cooperation among traditional institutions and recognition of the contributions of Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Isoko, Ukwuani and other residents alongside the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
He also called for stronger attention at the National Assembly to environmental degradation affecting Niger Delta communities.
Responding, the Pere of Isaba challenged him to move beyond familiar campaign promises and deliver measurable results if elected.
“Most of the points you raised here are almost like generic points. That is what everybody has told us… But try and make a difference,” the monarch said.
He urged Mulade to remain accessible to constituents and maintain his connection with the kingdom.
“My prayer is that when God gives you the grace and you are there, do not forget where you are coming from,” he said.
Describing the commitments made before the palace as a trust, the monarch said Isaba Kingdom would deliberate on Mulade’s aspiration.
At Okere-Urhobo on October 2, Mulade appealed for an end to divisions that he said had hindered Warri’s progress.
“We cannot continue to fight ourselves. We cannot continue to separate ourselves. We cannot continue to destroy ourselves,” he said.
“It is time for us to rise above the confines of individual and ethnic concentration to a broader perspective of a better Warri Federal Constituency.”
Owhotemu II commended the proposals and recalled the jobs and opportunities associated with Warri in previous years, expressing concern that much of that economic activity had declined.
“All you have presented before us is a very good one. Our goal here is to pray for it to work. As we offer prayers, we will give our support to make sure Warri Federal Constituency moves forward,” the monarch said.
He urged leaders and stakeholders to work towards restoring development and prayed for Mulade’s success.
Among those at the Okere-Urhobo meeting were Owena and President-General Okra; Chief Mason Agho Kigho Igiegie Ekwevugbe; Chief John Edgar Erenvor Uloho Okpreur; Chief Edward; Chief Yusuf Eregbene, former Chairman of the Delta State Muslims Pilgrimage Welfare Board; Elder Willson Pubowai; Chief Godwin Orhadahwe, PhD, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ); and Chief Engineer Okiemute.
High Chief Wellington Bobo, Oroupawei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, participated in the consultations. CEPEJ representatives at Ogbe-Ijoh included Olasupo Olatoke, ICT Manager; Tina Agidi, Administrative Officer; and Samuel Ideh, Programmes Manager.
Mulade said he would continue engaging communities and stakeholders across Warri Federal Constituency ahead of the election.
By Faith Madogwe, Joel Fiafiawei & Ojumiri Chairman
