WARRI – Prominent Ijaw leader and Eye-la-Ere of the Ijaw Nation, Chief Vero Tangbowei Emmanuel, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to critically examine the ward allocation structure in Warri South-West Local Government Area, warning that the current arrangement is unfair and capable of generating tension among Ijaw communities.

Chief Vero made the appeal while addressing journalists during the recently concluded Ijaw and Urhobo Stakeholders’ Press Briefing held at KFT Place in Warri.

Expressing deep concern over the proposed ward delineation formula, the Ijaw leader questioned the basis for the allocation, arguing that it does not reflect the principles of equity, fairness, and balanced political representation.

According to her, four Ijaw kingdoms—Gbaramatu, Isaba, Ogbe-Ijoh, and Diebiri—were collectively allocated 11 wards, while a single kingdom was reportedly assigned nine wards.
She described the arrangement as difficult to justify and potentially divisive.

“Why should four kingdoms have 11 wards while one kingdom has nine wards? What kind of sharing formula is that?” she queried.

Chief Vero appealed directly to President Tinubu to intervene in the matter, reminding him of his traditional ties to the Ijaw nation through the title of Eyela-Wei of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

“Mr. President, you are a titled man in the Ijaw Kingdom. You hold the title of Eyela-Wei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, while I am the Eyela-Ere of the Ijaw Nation. Please use your position to ensure fairness and justice for our kingdoms,” she said.

She also called on Governor Oborevwori to closely examine the ward allocation structure and ensure that all communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area receive equitable representation.
The Ijaw leader stressed that addressing the concerns raised by stakeholders would help prevent unnecessary grievances and preserve peace in the area.

Chief Vero further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Delta State Government to provide a clear explanation of the criteria used in arriving at the proposed ward allocation, insisting that transparency was necessary to build public confidence in the process.

She warned that failure to review the arrangement could trigger dissatisfaction, deepen divisions among affected communities, and create avoidable tension within the local government area.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, Chief Vero emphasized the importance of engaging Ijaw women and community leaders in meaningful dialogue to resolve the matter amicably.

She appealed to President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, INEC, and other relevant stakeholders to convene a meeting with Ijaw women leaders and community representatives to discuss their concerns and find a peaceful solution.

“We are pleading with the authorities to meet with the women of the Ijaw Nation and discuss this issue before it escalates. Dialogue and fairness are necessary to maintain peace and unity,” she stated.

Her remarks formed part of the resolutions presented during the stakeholders’ meeting, where participants collectively called on President Tinubu, INEC, and other relevant authorities to ensure justice, fairness, and equitable representation for all communities affected by the ward delineation exercise before its final implementation.