Urhobo Leader Slams Ijaw’s Population Claim

A former lawmaker in Delta State, Hon. Dr. Keston Okoro, has accused the Ijaw ethnic group of attempting to undermine Urhobo political influence in the state, following claims by Ijaw leaders that their community enjoys demographic superiority.

Hon.Okoro, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the Delta State House of Assembly, criticised the comments which was made during a Delta Ijaw APC Stakeholders meeting.

The meeting, hosted by former Niger Delta Affairs Minister Elder Godsday Orubebe, saw the Ijaws assert that their ethnic group as the most populous in Delta State, and should unite to leverage their population advantage for future political power. Okoro, however, argued that such claims were an attempt to diminish the Urhobo’s historical and political significance in the  state, which he claimed was traditionally an Urhobo state.

Speaking out against the Ijaw statements, Okoro warned that the Urhobo people must be vigilant to avoid losing political dominance in Delta. He suggested that if the Ijaws continue to press their advantage, the Urhobo risk losing future gubernatorial positions, including in 2027 when the current governor’s term ends. Okoro claimed that the Ijaws were already making moves to challenge the Urhobo in key political spheres, despite their smaller population in the state.

“An Ijaw man as governor of Delta State is a direct threat to Urhobo’s political well-being,” Okoro said. “The Urhobos must not be complacent. The Ijaws, with less than 20% of the population, are claiming dominance in a state that is primarily Urhobo.”

Delta State, home to various ethnic groups including the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Isoko, has historically been a region of ethnic cooperation but also competition for political power. Okoro pointed to past population statistics, stating that Urhobo once made up over 50% of the state’s population, a share that has now dwindled, but remains substantial.

Okoro also accused the Ijaw community of benefiting from federal support during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan, particularly through individuals like Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), who secured lucrative pipeline protection contracts. He criticized the Ijaws for what he called “selfish” political maneuvering and warned that their rising influence could harm the interests of Urhobo people, particularly in the state’s oil-rich regions.

While tensions are not new in Delta State, Okoro’s comments have reignited concerns of a growing ethnic divide ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections. He stressed that Urhobos must remain united and vigilant against any political moves that might undermine their stake in the state’s future.