WHO’S who in Warri Urhobo politics under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have adopted Professor (Chief ) Israel Abido as their political leader.
The historic adoption took place at an enlarged meeting of major stakeholders in Warri Urhobo politics, held at the Ekpan residence of Professor Abido over the weekend.
Comrade Stanley Agbosa moved the motion for the adoption, which was supported by Hon Ovoke Omagbemi.
A majority of those who spoke at the epoch-making event stressed that leadership is earned, not bought. They affirmed that Professor Abido deserved to lead the Warri Urhobos politically, recalling his tireless efforts for the political interests of Warri Urhobos from time immemorial.
They also distanced themselves from the adoption of another individual as the APC political leader of the Warri Urhobos by a different group the previous day. They argued that the said individual could not “come from Lagos and hijack the political leadership of Warri Urhobos overnight,” reiterating that true leadership must be earned.
A few speakers called for unity among Warri Urhobos, urging the said individual and his group to rally behind Professor Abido’s political leadership.
The well-attended meeting also endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the presidential and governorship candidates of the Warri Urhobos for the 2025 general elections. This motion was moved by Comrade Stanley Agbosa and seconded by Chief Linda Ikpuri.
Furthermore, Senator Joel Onovwakpor (representing Delta South) and Dr Thomas Ereyetomi (House of Representatives member representing Warri Federal Constituency) received votes of confidence at the meeting.
The motion was moved by the Master of Ceremony (MC) of the occasion, Comrade Stanley Agbosa, and supported by Chief Stephen Dolor.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Abido thanked the Warri Urhobos for choosing him as their political leader and vowed to continue working for their collective political interest.
Among the prominent Warri Urhobo political figures at the occasion were: the immediate past Delta State House of Assembly member representing Warri South Constituency II, Chief Hon Mathew Opuoru; the immediate past Vice Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Chief (Mrs) Ann Iniovosa; the leader of the Warri South Local Government Council Legislative Arm, Hon Joy Ejumudo; other Urhobo councillors in Warri South Local Government Council; Chief Westham Adehor (JP); Chief Isaac Emiforniye; Chief Godwin Onotor; Hon Mark Ikpuri; Chief Christian Bazunu; Dr Marvins Onojeghwro; Chief (Mrs) Eda Ekemere; Chief Pius Ovo Oyiboaga; Chief (Mrs) Emily Irikefe; Ms Edirin Okere; former Chairman of Okere Urhobo Development Movement, Hon Cyril Eboh; Comrade Wisdom Ekuremu (of Waddo City); Clement Okome; Friday Onoriobe (members of Mile 11 Security Organisation, Igbudu Market); and members of the Arewa Community, among others.
