By Karinde Donyegha, Reporter | Photos by Chairman Ojumiri
Prominent traditional chiefs, youth leaders, and stakeholders of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom in Warri have openly disassociated themselves from a press conference held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, describing it as unauthorized and lacking the blessing of the kingdom’s traditional institution. The controversial briefing followed the ward delineation recommended for Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The purported press conference, which took place in Warri, was led by Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly and the current Special Adviser on Environment to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Delineation refers to the process of dividing or mapping out geographical areas into constituencies, wards, or polling units for electoral purposes. According to INEC, this is to ensure fair representation and efficient management of elections across the country. The electoral body had, last Friday, unveiled the proposed delineated wards and polling units, following a Supreme Court judgment.
Addressing journalists today, leaders of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom expressed shock and displeasure, making it clear that the views expressed at the Tuesday briefing do not reflect the official position of the kingdom.
Chief John Edgar Eranvor, the Uhoho of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, opened the press interaction by stating that the previous day’s conference was held without authorization from the kingdom’s leadership. “The kingdom remains united. The political class remains united. There is a structure of leadership, and they acted in contradiction to that structure. The views and opinions expressed by Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru at that press conference do not represent Okere-Urhobo Kingdom,” he said.
Chief Eranvor noted that the kingdom is still carefully reviewing the documents presented by INEC and has not reached a formal position. “At the appropriate time, after due consultation, we will inform the public. But until then, any reaction outside the structure is null and void,” he added.
Also speaking, Chief Sylvester Femi Okumagba, the Owena of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, called on the public to disregard the press conference, stating that the individuals who organized it acted without the mandate of the kingdom.
“If Okere-Urhobo Kingdom wants to make any pronouncement, it will come directly from the monarch or the President-General. Those who went to that conference did not do so with our consent. We suspect political sponsorship behind their actions, but the unity of the kingdom cannot be compromised,” he said.
He emphasized the need to maintain peace and warned against political interference.
Chief Frank Okolobe, the Oguhwie of Otor-Orene, described the controversial press conference as “an act of sycophancy.”
He stated that Okere-Urhobo Kingdom has a respected hierarchy and due process that must be followed before making public statements. “We have our ways. Nothing goes out without palace approval. To listen to unauthorized individuals is to disregard the authority of the palace,” he said.
Representing the youth, Hon. Eboh Okpako Elvis, Youth President of the Kingdom, noted that INEC had only just presented preliminary documents and the process remains ongoing. “There is a seven-day window still open for objections. We are studying the documents carefully and have not exhausted the lawful avenues available to us,” he said.
He condemned the premature press conference as a misrepresentation of the kingdom’s position. “We were shocked to learn about the press briefing. It was not authorized by the kingdom, and the public must disregard it,” he stated, reaffirming the kingdom’s commitment to a peaceful and lawful approach.
Chief Lawrence J. Akpoveso, the Atapiti of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and a member of the delineation committee, confirmed his presence at the press conference but explained he was unaware of its full intent. “I was misled to believe it was a resolution of the kingdom. On realizing it was not, I had to make this clarification. I stand with the council’s decision to maintain peace and follow due process,” he said.
He emphasized that the delineation exercise was a federal initiative and should not be politicized at the local level.
Present at the press interaction were other prominent leaders including Chief Victor Amerhovwe David, Ekokota of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom; Chief Louis O. Eboh, Aghogho of the Kingdom; Florence Ighorue, Chairlady of Egweya; Comrade Efe Oboggen, Vice President; Efe Odili David, Task Force Chairman; and Patrick Jessah, Treasurer. All voiced their alignment with the palace and distanced themselves from the unauthorized briefing.
In conclusion, the kingdom reaffirmed that only the monarch and President-General are authorized to speak on behalf of the Okere-Urhobo people, emphasizing that any attempt to bypass this authority will be firmly resisted.
See photos below:
