Oghomienor Slams Edema’s ‘Kingmaker’ Move in Warri Politics, Questions Moral Authority

Itsekiri leader and Warri APC chieftain, Hon. Emiko Oghomienor, has criticised Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema over his recent statement on the 2027 elections, accusing him of attempting to assume a “kingmaker” role in the political affairs of Warri.

Oghomienor, who also serves as an aide to the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, made this known in a statement sent to WSNews titled “Remove the Log in Your Eyes, Mr. Collins Edema.”

WSNews had earlier reported Edema’s statement titled “Official Response to the Call to Contest as a Senator Representing Delta South Senatorial District,” where he said he had not yet decided whether to contest the Delta South Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections despite appeals from supporters asking him to run. Edema in the statement revealed that discussions were underway to identify “worthy individuals” to represent Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives because the current situation had not produced tangible results.

Reacting to the publication, Oghomienor criticised Edema’s claim questioning why someone allegedly being urged to contest the Senate seat appeared more focused on the House of Representatives position.

According to the APC chieftain, Edema appears to believe that his association with the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, gives him influence over political matters affecting the Itsekiri people. Oghomienor noted that Edema’s role as the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other international oil companies means his personal political views could easily be interpreted as reflecting the stance of the monarch. He warned that such an impression could draw the revered Warri Kingdom palace into partisan politics, stressing that the throne remains a unifying institution for all sons and daughters of the kingdom regardless of political affiliation.

Oghomienor further questioned Edema’s record of service to the Itsekiri nation, asking what achievements support the image he now seeks to project as a spokesperson for the people. He asked how many Itsekiri youths secured employment during Edema’s tenure as president of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG), and how many Itsekiri graduates he has assisted in securing jobs with the NNPCL since assuming his present role.

“I am tempted to ask, what are your antecedents to our people that give you this lofty daytime dream that you are now the saviour and mouthpiece of the Itsekiri people? What have been your contributions to the Itsekiri nation other than being an unpopular president of NAIG? How many Itsekiris did you assist to secure employment during your tenure at NAIG? How many Itsekiri graduates have you been able to secure employment for in NNPC as the sole representative of the Olu of Warri?” Oghomienor asked.

He also raised concerns about Edema’s involvement during the ward delineation agitation in the Warri area and pointed to complaints on social media from beneficiaries over alleged delays in the payment of stipends tied to programmes under his office.

“How well have you fared in paying stipends to beneficiaries who are rampant with complaints on social media against your failure to do so as and when due?” he queried.

Oghomienor also alleged that Edema had supported Prince Jayie Emiko during the succession contest for the Warri throne before the eventual emergence of Ogiame Atuwatse III as the Olu of Warri.

Oghomienor urged Edema, as a serving “agent” of the Olu of Warri, to exercise caution in his political involvement so as not to drag the palace into political controversy, stressing that the throne remains apolitical and serves as a fatherly institution to all sons and daughters of Warri Kingdom.

“As a serving agent to His Royal Majesty, I will advise that you be mindful of how you delve into the political arena so as not to drag the palace into political disrepute.”

He also appealed to the palace to caution those serving the throne as chiefs, agents or administrative staff to ensure their political activities remain clearly separated from the palace, insisting that Edema does not speak for the Itsekiri people.