The Forum of Urhobo Traditional Rulers, known as Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, has endorsed Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as the sole candidate of the Urhobo Nation for the 2027 governorship election.
The monarchs announced the decision in a press statement issued after their meeting at the Ovie of Uvwie Palace on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The traditional rulers said the decision followed concerns over rising political tension, rivalry and alleged political thuggery within Urhobo communities ahead of the 2027 election.
According to the statement signed by HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe 1, JP, OON, Ovie of Unwiel Kingdom and Chairman of Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, and HRM Amb. Dr. Richard Oghenevwoga Ebelle Okoreefe I, Ovie of Agbarho-Otor Kingdom and Secretary of the forum, every Urhobo son and daughter has the constitutional right to aspire to political office.
However, the monarchs said the unity of the Urhobo Nation remained “sacrosanct and non-negotiable.”
They therefore advised Urhobo governorship aspirants to set aside their individual ambitions and rally behind Oborevwori, whom they described as an illustrious son of the Urhobo Nation.
The forum also called on Urhobo people to support and vote for the incumbent governor in the 2027 governorship election.
The monarchs said their position was aimed at preventing political division within the Urhobo Nation, stressing that they had historically supported political leaders and would continue to provide guidance.
The endorsement effectively places the traditional rulers behind Oborevwori’s bid for a second term, although the statement itself represents the position of the Urhobo traditional rulers’ forum, not a decision that legally prevents other candidates from contesting the election.
Recent reports from Nigerian media have also confirmed the monarchs’ endorsement of Oborevwori as the Urhobo Nation’s preferred candidate for 2027.
