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By Johnmark Onajite, JP
There is no doubting the fact that Warri, a once vibrant and thriving commercial city has for some years now fallen from that enviable pedestal into almost colourless city. Warri as a city lost its glory as multinational oil companies deserted it in droves because of ethnic tensions and sundry internal wrangling. This resulted in the fast erosion and subsequent decay of essential infrastructure and the complete loss of its socio-economic status as the “Oil City” that it used to be in those days.
However, on May 29, 2023, during his inauguration as the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori stood before a hopeful crowd at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, and he made a bold pledge: to restore the glory of Warri and its environs. From all indications, this promise was not mere rhetoric; it encapsulated his vision for a revitalized Warri—one that would reclaim its status as the economic nerve center of the state through inclusive governance, infrastructure development, and peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic groups.
Oborevwori’s administration, guided by his MORE Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security), has since translated this vision into tangible actions, with Warri and its environs faring better by far. However, the path has not been without challenges, as recent ethnic frictions and simmering conflict between the Urhobo and Itsekiri communities have tested his commitment to engendering peace, unity, peaceful coexistence and speedy reconstruction and rehabilitation of dilapidated infrastructure throughout the area.
Through strategic interventions, Oborevwori demonstrated that he meant well and would do everything and anything to foster peace, prevent further escalation of tension and advance his developmental goals for Warri.
For the record, Governor Oborevwori’s vision for Warri was to give “special attention” to the oil-rich city. His intention was multifaceted: to drive physical, economic, and human development across Warri and environs. This included massive investments in roads, bridges, and other facilities to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and improve residents’ quality of life.
Oborevwori promised an inclusive approach, ensuring that all ethnic groups—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, and others—benefited from state resources. He highlighted the role of royal fathers as custodians of peace and culture, signaling his intent to collaborate with traditional leaders to maintain harmony.
True to his vision, Oborevwori has initiated a series of infrastructure projects that represent a significant face-lift for Warri and its environs. Within months of taking office, his administration signed a landmark contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the construction of three flyover bridges, a cloverleaf, and road expansions in the Effurun/Warri area, valued at N78 billion. This project, which began in October 2023, aims to decongest traffic, improve safety, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the region. Julius Berger has committed to delivering on schedule, with visible progress already transforming the landscape.
In Warri specifically, key initiatives include the groundbreaking for a N21.3 billion road project in October 2025, which involves reconstructing critical arteries to boost commerce and mobility. The governor’s infrastructure drive extends to power and urban renewal. Under his leadership, Delta State is experiencing a “power revolution,” with investments in electricity infrastructure to address chronic outages that have plagued Warri. Projects like the flyover at DSC Roundabout and expansions along the DSC/NPA Expressway are part of a broader N230 billion allocation for infrastructure across sectors, approved in July 2025. These efforts have triggered jubilation in Delta, as inspections reveal rapid progress under the MORE Agenda. For instance, the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road reconstruction, flagged off early this week in October 2025, spans 10 km of dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement and storm water drains in collaboration with the Federal Government. Oborevwori emphasized that his focus is on the people’s comfort and safety, not jurisdictional boundaries, underscoring his people-centered intention. These actions align with his inaugural promise, as Warri residents now witness a city emerging from neglect, with improved connectivity fostering economic growth.
However, amid these developmental strides, Warri recently faced a setback when ethnic tensions erupted between Urhobo and Itsekiri youths. The conflict centered as usual on land rights and territorial disputes. It quickly escalated into violent clashes, and like a hurricane, resulting in gunshot injuries and heightened anxiety in the city. This fracas echoed long-standing rivalries in the Niger Delta, where ethnic groups have historically vied for supremacy and control over certain areas; and in the case of Warri in particular, resources and lands.
Of course, as to be expected, social media amplified the discord, with inflammatory posts exacerbating divisions and threatening to undermine Oborevwori’s vision.
In response, Oborevwori swiftly demonstrated his commitment to peace, deploying a multi-pronged strategy to broker reconciliation and prevent escalation.
First, he wasted no time in calling for calm, urging residents to maintain peace and emphasizing unity among ethnic nationalities. In September 2025, Governor Oborevwori moved a notch further, appealing directly to leaders and elders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo groups to shun divisive tendencies, just as he warned against social media incitement that could further fuel the violence.
Then to ensure a full settlement, Oborevwori inaugurated a Peace Committee comprising representatives from the three ethnic groups, tasked with fostering harmony and peaceful coexistence in Warri and its environs. The committee, set up on his directive and inaugurated at the Government House Annex in Warri, includes key stakeholders to address grievances and promote reconciliation. This move was in direct response to public calls for intervention, as acknowledged by the state government.
Additionally, Oborevwori’s deft intervention extended beyond committees; he engaged traditional rulers such as the Olu of Warri, to leverage their influence in maintaining stability. In public addresses, he reiterated that security remains a top priority, linking peace to the success of his infrastructure agenda.
By September 2025, at a well-attended gathering, and in his determination to ensure a fulfilment of his plans for Warri, Governor Oborevwori made a passionate plea to the warring factions to sheath their swords and “wait until my tenure is over in 2031 before you fight,” a candid plea underscoring his determination to keep Delta peaceful during his administration, but which unfortunately was taken out of context by critics.
Governor Oborevwori did not imply in the slightest way that he does not care. He certainly cares about peace, unity, growth, the development and full restoration of the former status of Warri. He knew that by 2031, he would have accomplished his vision and restored the dignity of Warri going by the pace he had established in the last two years such that by then, there would not be any need for anyone to bicker, agitate or fight and create tension in Warri.
These actions have helped to de-escalate the tension, with no major incidents reported since the initial outbreak. Community leaders, including federal lawmaker Thomas Ereyitomi, echoed Oborevwori’s calls for calm, reinforcing the governor’s message of unity. Through regular stakeholder meetings and security enhancements, Oborevwori has ensured that the misunderstanding does not escalate, allowing development projects to proceed uninterrupted.
If the truth must be told, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s tenure has been a testament to visionary leadership in action. His promise to restore Warri’s glory is manifested through unprecedented infrastructure investments that are reshaping the city. And despite the ethnic fracas between Urhobo and Itsekiri, his proactive peace-building efforts—via committees, appeals, and collaborations—have fostered coexistence and prevented further unrest. As Delta State advances under the MORE Agenda, Oborevwori’s intention remains clear: a peaceful, prosperous Warri where all residents thrive. With ongoing projects and sustained dialogue, the governor is not only fulfilling his inauguration pledge but also laying the foundation for lasting harmony in one of Nigeria’s most dynamic cities, Warri.
•Onajite, a Justice of Peace and community leader, writes from Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State
