Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented 65 brand-new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to traditional rulers across the state, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in grassroots governance.
Gatekeepers News reports that the handover, held at Government House, Asaba, saw 60 Toyota Prado SUVs and five Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles distributed to royal fathers from various communities in Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori said the vehicles were intended as “tools of service” to enhance the capacity of traditional rulers as custodians of peace and stability at the community level.
“They are not merely custodians of our customs, norms and traditions; they are vital intermediaries between government and the people at the grassroots,” he said, describing the occasion as “a very important and symbolic day in the life of this administration.”
The governor credited traditional institutions with easing governance in Delta, particularly in community mobilisation, dispute resolution, peace-building, and collaboration with security agencies. He noted that many royal fathers operate in challenging terrains and often travel extensively to mediate local conflicts, frequently without material compensation.
“Our Royal Fathers are often on the road, engaging in peace-building and conflict resolution. They do all these voluntarily and willingly. For this, we are truly grateful,” Oborevwori added, explaining that the choice of rugged SUVs was deliberate to match the rural environments many serve.
While the administration framed the gesture as a commitment to inclusive governance, some residents raised concerns about public spending priorities amid economic pressures and rising insecurity, arguing that the funds could have been used for public services and security infrastructure.
At the ceremony, 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 boost to their efficiency and effectiveness.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, described the presentation as a timely and symbolic intervention that would strengthen grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.
