28 Years of Marginalization: Urhobo
of Warri South LGA Calls for Equity Ahead of 2026 APC Congress
By Uche Benbor
WARRI
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for its 2026 party congresses, the Urhobo people of Warri South Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State, have raised an urgent call for equity and fair representation, citing 28 years of sustained political marginalization in the local government.
In a jointly signed position statement, prominent Urhobo leaders and stakeholders decried the systematic exclusion of their people from both party and council leadership positions since the return to democratic governance in 1998. The statement was signed by Olorogun Bernard Okumagba (Chairman), Chief Benson Obire (Vice Chairman), Hon. Mark Ikpuri, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, JP, Chief Isaac Emifoniye, JP, Chief Vincent Okudolor, JP (Secretary), Rev. Canon Dr. David Otofia, Chief Dr. Westham Adehor, JP, Chief Ann Gagiyovwin, JP, Chief Peter Agiri, JP, among others.
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They pointed out that Warri
South LGA comprises of two dominant ethnic blocs — Urhobo and Itsekiri — but the Urhobo leaders lamented that political and party leadership has been monopolised by the Itsekiri bloc for more than two decades.
According to the statement, the position of Council Chairman has been exclusively held by Itsekiri leaders, including Chief J.S. Otumara, Barr. Fred Enemighin, Chief Arthur Diden, Hon. Austin Uroye, Mofe Edema, Dr. Michael Tidi, and the current chairman, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro.
Similarly, the office of APC Party Chairman in Warri South has been dominated by Itsekiri politicians, with past and current office holders including Dr. Meyiwa Erewa, Amah Agbajoh, Johnson Agbeyegbe, Hon. Richard Pessu, and Mario Owumi.
“For nearly three decades, both political and party leadership in Warri South has been dominated by one ethnic bloc. This persistent exclusion undermines the principles of fairness, equity, inclusiveness, and democratic governance, which are essential for peace, unity, and sustainable development,” the statement read.
The Urhobo bloc emphasized that their call for fairness is not borne out of hostility or ethnic rivalry, but stems from a genuine desire for inclusion, balanced governance, and grassroots participation.
Giving vivid example, they highlighted that neighbouring local governments such as Warri South West and Warri North have successfully implemented power-sharing arrangements between ethnic blocs, particularly the Ijaw and Itsekiri, promoting political stability and peaceful coexistence despite similar demographic compositions.
The statement warned that continued marginalization of Urhobo people could weaken party cohesion, erode grassroots confidence, and destabilise the APC in Warri South ahead of the 2026 congresses.
Reaffirming their loyalty to the party, the Urhobo leaders pledged unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the M.O.R.E Agenda of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, stressing that their demand for equity aligns with the core principles of inclusive governance, fairness, and shared prosperity.
The Urhobo people concluded by urging party elders, leaders, and stakeholders to embrace equity and inclusiveness as the surest pathway to lasting unity, cohesion, and democratic growth within the APC in Warri South, insisting that granting the Party Chairmanship to the Urhobo bloc would restore balance, strengthen party structures, and enhance grassroot confidence.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 9TH 2026)
