Cold war’ between Gov Oborevwori, Okowa deepens in Delta State amid govt denial

There are indications that the political relationship between former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has worsened, as both have allegedly not been in talking terms in the last few months.

Oborevwori was Okowa’s preferred successor during the 2023 governorship election in the state. It was learnt that Okowa defied all odds to ensure Oborevwori won the governorship race, stepping on toes of some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts in the state, including former Governor James Ibori.

The Guardian gathered that the major cause of the rift was that Oborevwori circumvented the appointment list they both agreed. For instance, former Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, was to retain his position, but a few weeks after his appointment, he was moved to the Works Ministry as Commissioner in charge of Rural Development, and a few others.

But the Delta State government, at the weekend, refuted rumours of the supposed ‘cold war’ between Oborevwori and his predecessor.

The state government dismissed the reports as baseless and a figment of the reporter’s imagination.

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon, denied the existence of any disagreement between the two political leaders.

According to Ahon, the governor and Okowa enjoy a very warm relationship, describing the rumour as total falsehood.

Ahon insisted that the governor holds his predecessor in high regards, and respects his leadership.

He said the alleged disagreement over appointment of commissioners is untrue, asserting that the governor would make these appointments at the appropriate time.