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• Oborevwori wades in, stakeholders pledge unity, peaceful coexistence
From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
A major disruption has hit Nigeria’s oil sector as hundreds of indigenous women, youth and leaders from Ijaw yesterday launched a massive, coordinated protest in Delta State, forcing the shutdown of several critical oil and gas installations across the Warri Federal Constituency.
The protesters vowed that production will not resume until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) enforces its own constituency delineation report.
The peaceful occupation targeted a network of vital oil infrastructure belonging to Chevron Nigeria including the Kenyagbene (Abiteye), Otunana, Jones Creek, Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, and Egwa 1 and 2 flow stations.
The latest escalation introduces a high-stakes economic dimension to the long-running dispute over the contentious Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation report issued by INEC in May.
Meanwhile, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has intervened in the tensions as he convened a high-level peace meeting with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities at Government House, Asaba, yesterday
The meeting, which brought together ethnic leaders, security chiefs and top government officials, focused on preserving peace and fostering dialogue among stakeholders amid growing concerns over the delineation process.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Oborevwori stressed the need for unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Warri, noting that peace and security remain central pillars of his administration’s MORE Agenda.
But the protesters, mainly women, bored various placards with inscriptions demanding immediate compliance, including, “INEC: Implement Warri Delineation Report,” “Court Ordered Judgment on Wards and Polling Units Delineation,” and “No Implementation, No Production.”
They accused the electoral umpire of stalling on the deployment of the delineation report that INEC itself had unveiled to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20, 2026.
For the host communities, the standoff is a fight for fundamental political visibility and fair democratic representation.
They argued it is deeply unjust that areas providing the bulk of the federation’s revenue continue to be politically sidelined.
Speaking from the Kenyagbene (Abiteye) Flow Station, the community women leaders, Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Marian Ebike A. Ogoba highlighted decades of systemic marginalization despite the region’s immense economic contributions.
“We are here because of the boundary delineation that INEC conducted following a Supreme Court directive,” Ogoba explained.
“As the hosts of the oil and gas wealth driving Nigeria, we refuse to accept continued marginalization. We are not looking for a fight; we are simply claiming our legal rights. These facilities will remain shut down until INEC complies with the apex court’s orders.”
Immediate past secretary of Benekukru community, Madam Fanty Goodness Owotorufa emphasized that while the communities are committed to non-violence, their patience has run out.
“The Supreme Court has already ruled on how these wards should be structured. The only thing left is for INEC to implement its own approved and published report. We are peaceful people, but we demand justice,” Owotorufa stated.
The roots of the protest trace back to a 2022 Supreme Court judgment mandating a comprehensive review of the electoral boundaries within the Warri Federal Constituency. Following the ruling, INEC executed the exercise, collected and resolved grievances from various factions, and compiled a final framework.
Dr. Paul Boyitie, opinion leader and former secretary of the Benikrukru Community, questioned the electoral body’s hesitation to formalize the changes ahead of the upcoming political cycle.
“The final report clearly maps out the wards for the Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri populations. All objections were heard, and the blueprint was finalized. Why the delay?
“We want to enter the 2027 general elections under this newly approved structure. We have the leverage to freeze operations on our lands, and we will stay here until INEC acts.”
The shutdown was equally absolute at the Otunana Flow Station, where community representatives reiterated that normal operations are suspended indefinitely.
Representing the Krukrudagbene Community, Edith Odafe confirmed that the shutdown was a direct response to the stalling of the wards and state constituencies presented by INEC earlier in May.
“The process was smooth, and the results were handed to us. Now, we want execution. The station is closed, and it stays closed,” Odafe warned.
Adding to this, community delegate Mrs. Gladys Kele maintained that the protest is strictly about securing what belongs to the people.
“We don’t want conflict, but no one should strip us of our allocated wards. We will camp here until our rights are secured,” Kele said.
But speaking during the meeting, the governor said: “We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The stakeholders have assured me that they will keep to the peace accord. Under the MORE Agenda, we have promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we do not need any crisis in our dear state”.
“Warri is one family. There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue. That is why I called this meeting, even at a short notice. We are ready to work together and sustain the peace we are enjoying. We will continue to work with security agencies and all ethnic nationalities to ensure lasting peace in the federal constituency and every part of the state”.
Speaking on behalf of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Chief Godspower Gbenekama commended the governor for his intervention and assured Deltans that the Ijaw people remained committed to peace.
“The governor has given us a marching order to ensure there is no crisis. I assure the people of Delta State that no Ijaw man will attack any Itsekiri man or village. It will not happen. By the grace of God, there will be continuous peace,” he said.
Olorogun Victor Okumagba, who represented the Urhobo ethnic nationality, said; “for some time now, issues surrounding the ward and unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency have been threatening the peace in Warri.”
“Today, the governor brought together the three ethnic nationalities, and after extensive discussions, we agreed that all parties should sheath their swords. We have also agreed to maintain and sustain peace for the benefit of all residents of Warri Federal Constituency”.
On behalf of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, Chief Ayirimi Emami said on behalf of the Itsekiri people, “we came with our position regarding the ward delineation issue, but the governor has spoken and directed that everyone should keep their swords.
“We have all agreed to maintain peace and will return home to relay the message to our people”.
The meeting ended with a collective commitment by leaders of the three ethnic nationalities to uphold peace, and dialogue.
Political observers described the meeting as a significant step towards easing tensions and strengthening inter-ethnic harmony in the oil-rich constituency.
