Reactions have continued to trail the decision by the Ukoko r’ Ivie r’ Urhobo, the forum of Urhobo traditional rulers, to adopt Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole candidate of the Urhobo Nation for the 2027 governorship election.
The traditional rulers announced their position at a press briefing held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie.
The forum said its decision was aimed at promoting political unity, preventing division and reducing tension and thuggery ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
However, the endorsement has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders, residents and other members of the public, with some supporting the monarchs’ call for unity while others questioned the involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics.
One respondent welcomed the decision, saying, “I support the Urhobo Kings’ statement 100 per cent. It’s the way to go.”
Another contributor also described the position as a positive development, saying the call by the traditional rulers for political aspirants to sheathe their swords and allow peace to prevail should be welcomed.
“When all the kings have come together asking political aspirants to sheathe their swords for peace to reign, that has been established. It is a welcome development,” the respondent said.
A supporter of the governor similarly argued that Oborevwori should be allowed to continue his administration, saying, “That is the ideal thing to do. Sheriff is still on duty.”
However, critics of the endorsement expressed concern that traditional rulers could be drawn into active political alignment.
One respondent argued that traditional institutions should remain above partisan politics, citing concerns about the relationship between traditional rulers and elected governments.
Another critic said the monarchs’ endorsement could not determine how individual citizens would vote, stressing that voters have the right to make independent choices at the ballot box.
“Citizens have individual minds of their own. So they are free to vote whoever they wish,” the respondent said.
Another contributor questioned whether traditional rulers should have a role in directing electoral choices, asking, “Do they even vote?”
There were also reactions accusing the traditional rulers of undermining the political interests of the Urhobo people, with one respondent describing the development as a cause for concern.
Another participant urged the traditional rulers to consider the wider implications of their decision for the development of Delta State rather than focusing solely on political alignment.
Meanwhile, some respondents dismissed the argument that failure to support Oborevwori would lead to division among the Urhobo, noting that the current political zoning arrangement could make the issue of vote splitting less significant.
“The governor has been zoned to the Central. I do not see other districts in strong opposition or candidacy. Therefore, the statement that we should not divide our vote is immaterial,” one respondent said.
The debate also drew comparisons with calls by some public figures for traditional rulers to remain outside partisan politics.
One respondent referenced a statement attributed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that traditional rulers should stay out of politics, arguing that monarchs should preserve the neutrality of their traditional institutions.
The contrasting reactions highlight the broader debate over the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s democratic politics, particularly when monarchs seek to influence voting patterns or endorse political candidates.
While supporters of the Urhobo monarchs’ position see it as a call for unity, peace and continuity, critics insist that individual voters should retain the freedom to choose their preferred candidates without being bound by traditional or communal endorsements.
The 2027 Delta State governorship election is therefore expected to generate further political debate as parties, aspirants, traditional institutions and other stakeholders position themselves ahead of the poll.
