Urhobo traditional rulers also known as Ukoko R’ivie R’ Urhobo, yesterday expressed concern over the rising political tension, hostility and thuggery across Urhobo areas in Delta State, and called for harmony among the people.

The monarchs who met for several hours yesterday at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe 1, said they would not sit  back and watch Urhobo sons and daughters tear themselves apart ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued after the meeting and read by the monarch of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Obukowho Monday Ovie Whiskey, Udurie I, the kings said they would not remain strictly apolitical, and cannot stay silent when political development threaten the security, well-being, and social harmony of their people.

They stated: “Recently, we have observed a concerning rise in political tension, hostility and political thuggery across the Urhobo and. As royal fathers, we cannot sit back and watch our sons and daughters tear themselves apart over political ambitions.

“Politics should be a peaceful civic engagement, not a do-or-die affair. Driven by this concern, we convened a consultative meeting with our sons who are governorship candidates across various political parties to counsel them on the need for peace, restraints and brotherhood.

“We affirm that every Urhobo son and daughter possesses the constitutional right to aspire to the highest political offices in the land.

“However, considering that the incumbent Governor is an illustrious son of the Urhobo Nation, any attempt by individuals or groups to foster division, rivalry, and thuggery within our domain is a direct disservice to our collective unity and progress.”

The monarchs stated  that throughout  history, the Urhobo Traditional Rulers have consistently supported their political leaders, and remain prepared to offer guidance.

They emphasized that their mission is to uphold the unity of the Urhobo Nation which they stated is non-negotiable.

The monarchs while seeking de-escalation of the rising political tensions and protect their collective interest, advised all their sons contesting the 2027 governorship election to align with the forum counsel and to set aside their individual ambitions at this time and rally behind our son, the incumbent
Governor.

The traditional rulers of Urhobo Nation said they’ve jointly decided to adopt the Executive Governor. Rt. Hon, Elder Chief Sheriff Francis Orhovwedor Oborovwori as the sole candidate of Urhobo Nation for the 2027 governorship election for his unprecedented development across Delta state.

They urged all sons and daughters of Urhobo Nation to vote enmass for Delta Central and for him.

The monarchs noted that when it is the turn of Delta South or North to produce the governor of the State, they stand united in support of their own, without dividing their votes.