By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BURUTU, DELTA STATE — Community chiefs and stakeholders of Tuomo Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have unanimously adopted Thompson Robert Fuoye as their sole candidate for the Burutu Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 House of Representatives election.

The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held yesterday at Tamigbe community, where traditional leaders (Amanana-owei) from various communities under Burutu South converged to take a position on the zoning arrangement of the constituency.

The meeting was convened and presided over by the President-General of Tuomo Kingdom, High Chief Ebikapaye Agidee.

Stakeholders said the gathering was aimed at reaffirming the zoning arrangement initiated in 1999, which they claimed had been respected until recent political developments.

It would be recalled that the incumbent lawmaker, Julius Pondi, has served three terms and is seeking re-election in 2027, a development that has heightened political discussions within Burutu South.

Speaking at the meeting, Prince Clement Ororogha Ekpefa, Amanana-owei of Torugbene community, said it was time for Burutu South to reclaim the federal constituency seat, describing the zoning arrangement as a matter of fairness and justice.

“The message is clear: it is time for Burutu South to present the candidate for the Federal Constituency. We are not in conflict with anyone; we are only demanding fairness and justice,” he said.

High Chief D.J. Lion of Tebegbe community urged stakeholders to respect the zoning understanding between Burutu North and Burutu South, insisting that Tuomo Kingdom remained committed to the arrangement.

Similarly, Chief Ogbomudia Ebikeme, Amanana-owei of Ogbobagbene community, called for unity among stakeholders and urged residents to resist inducement and vote-buying ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former councillor in the Burutu Legislative Assembly, High Chief Oweipade Irone, also urged support for Fuoye, describing him as the symbol of fairness for Burutu South.

The coordinator of the One-On-One Progressive Crusaders Movement, Comrade Caulmah E. David, commended the community leaders for their position and urged continued mobilisation across Burutu South.

The highlight of the meeting was a unanimous motion for the adoption of Fuoye as sole candidate, moved by Prince Ekpefa and seconded by Chief Adiegbe Embere of Tamigbe community.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the kingdom amid strong consensus among stakeholders.