ASABATON – A simmering political time bomb is ticking in Delta Central Senatorial District, with a grassroots group warning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the concentration of power in a single kingdom risks plunging the oil-rich Urhobo nation into a catastrophic conflict reminiscent of the Warri, Ife-Modakeke, and Zangon Kataf crises that claimed thousands of lives.
The New Delta Grassroot Movement, in an open letter to the President, has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a dangerous political arrangement whereby Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone – both from the same Okpe Kingdom – now control the executive and senatorial representation of Delta Central.
"This concentration of power in one kingdom out of 24 raises legitimate fears of marginalization among the other Urhobo kingdoms," warned Engr. Felix Akpoyibo, convener of the group.
The Urhobo nation comprises 24 distinct kingdoms – including Agbarha-Otor, Agbarho, Agbon, Evwreni, Ewu, Idjerhe (Jesse), Mosogar, Oghara, Ogor, Okpe, Olomu, Orogun, Udu, Ughelli, Ughievwen, Uvwie, Uwheru, and others – each with unique dialects, traditional institutions, and political significance.
'We Have Seen This Before'
Drawing chilling parallels with Nigeria's bloodiest communal conflicts, the group listed historical precedents where political exclusion triggered大规模 violence:
· Ife-Modakeke (1997–2000): Over 2,000 killed, 100,000 displaced after Modakeke settlers were denied equal representation
· Warri Crisis (1997–2003): Hundreds dead, 200,000 displaced as Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw fought over political zoning
· Zangon Kataf (1992–2011): Over 1,000 killed in Kaduna State over Hausa-Fulani dominance
· Tiv-Jukun Conflicts (1990s–2001): 500+ lives lost, 50,000 displaced in Taraba State
"The parallel with Delta Central is unmistakable," the letter states. "No other Urhobo kingdom has ever simultaneously occupied the governorship and Senate seats. This sends a dangerous message: that only Okpe sons and daughters are fit for the highest offices."
Early Warning Signs Ignored?
The group reports growing silent resentment among youth and elders from Agbon, Ughelli, Ughievwen, Orogun, and Olomu kingdoms, with political meetings boycotted and campaign rallies recording dwindling attendance.
"There is growing talk of 'internal opposition' and even secessionist rhetoric within Urhobo space," Akpoyibo revealed. "These are early warning signals that no government should ignore."
The Demand
The movement is urging President Tinubu to facilitate a zoning arrangement that rotates the Delta Central Senate seat to a kingdom other than Okpe – specifically recommending the Agbon or Ughelli Kingdom for the next electoral cycle.
"A simple intervention – a word from you to the APC leadership in Delta State – can rezone the senatorial ticket to a non-Okpe kingdom," the letter pleads. "This will not only save lives but also consolidate the APC's foothold in the South-South region."
The group warned that delay or inaction "will embolden those who believe that only violent protest can force change," adding that Delta Central hosts major crude oil and gas facilities critical to national revenue.
"Do not let the cries of 23 kingdoms go unheeded," the letter concludes.
The Presidency had yet to respond to the group's allegations as of press time.
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