Oborevwori Presents 65 SUVs to Delta Traditional Rulers

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday distributed 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to traditional rulers across the state, describing the gesture as a strategic investment in grassroots governance and community stability.

The presentation ceremony, held at the Government House in Asaba, featured the handover of 60 Toyota Prado SUVs and five Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to royal fathers from different parts of Delta State.

Governor Oborevwori said the vehicles were provided as “tools of service” to enhance the operational capacity of traditional rulers, whom he described as critical partners in peace-building, conflict resolution and grassroots administration.

Calling the occasion “a symbolic and significant day” for his administration, the governor noted that traditional institutions remain a vital but often overlooked component of governance.

“Our traditional rulers are not just custodians of culture and heritage; they are indispensable links between government and the people at the grassroots,” he said.

He commended the royal fathers for their contributions to community mobilisation, dispute resolution and collaboration with security agencies, noting that many of them work under challenging conditions and frequently travel long distances to respond to security and governance issues.

According to the governor, the decision to procure rugged SUVs was informed by the difficult terrains in many rural communities and the voluntary nature of the services rendered by the monarchs.

However, the gesture has drawn mixed reactions from residents, with some Deltans questioning the timing and scale of the expenditure amid prevailing economic challenges, insecurity and competing developmental needs in the state.

Critics argued that allocating high-value vehicles to unelected officials could reinforce perceptions of elite privilege, suggesting that the resources might have been better directed towards security enhancement and critical infrastructure.

In their remarks, the Obi of Owa, HRM Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor (JP); the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Emmanuel Sideso Abe I; and the Pere of Ogulagha, HRM Elder Capt. King Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the vehicles as a significant boost to their effectiveness.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, said the donation would strengthen grassroots governance, peace-building and collaboration across the state.