Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed to leaders and elders of Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to embrace peace and unity, stressing that divisive tendencies would only hinder development in Warri and the state at large.
The Governor made the call on Friday at the funeral service of the late Mrs. Grace Agbolayah, held at the African Church, Central Missionary Diocese, Warri.
Oborevwori warned against the misuse of social media to incite conflict, noting that unity remains the only path to sustainable progress.
“In all, what we need is unity. I have witnessed crisis and I know its consequences. People are using social media to cause problems, this must stop. I want to develop Warri because this is my home,” the Governor said.
Recounting his personal experience during past unrest, he revealed that his father’s house was spared from destruction because it bore the inscription, “Sheriff Papa House”, while neighboring homes were burnt. He described the incident as a painful reminder of the devastating impact of communal conflict.
“Warri dey sweet me for body. I have no other home outside Warri. I am a man with street credibility and local content, not from the diaspora. Now that I am Governor, I am a Governor for all, and I will not take sides,” Oborevwori declared.
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to fast-tracking development across Delta, assuring that he would not fail the people.
He urged critics, particularly those outside the state, to desist from sowing seeds of discord, and called on parents to caution their children against using social media to promote hate campaigns.
Paying tribute to the late Mrs. Agbolayah, he described her as a virtuous woman who lived a life of faith, integrity, and service to God and family.
Earlier in his sermon titled “Fight a Good Fight” from II Timothy 4:7, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Abbe, Primate of the African Church, urged Christians to live as beacons of peace, integrity, and nation-building.
He praised Mrs. Agbolayah’s legacy of service and family devotion and commended Governor Oborevwori for his leadership, noting that Delta State is on the path to rival Lagos in infrastructure development.
The service was attended by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, members of the State Executive Council, and other top government officials.
