Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori (born 19 June 1963) is a Nigerian politician who has served as the governor of

Delta State Delta is a States of Nigeria, state in the South South (Nigeria), South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Named after the Niger Delta—a large part of which is in the state—the state was formed from the former Bendel State, on 27 August 1 ...

since 2023. He previously served as speaker of the

House of Assembly House of Assembly is a name given to the legislature or lower house of a bicameral parliament. In some countries this may be at a subnational level. Historically, in British Crown colonies as the colony gained more internal responsible g ...

, representing the

Okpe Okpe is a kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria. Today, it is also the name of a local government area. It is one of the many kingdoms that make up Urhobo nation. Its capital is Orerokpe. The kingdom plays host to the Osubi Airport (also known as Wa ...

Constituency of Delta State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2017 to 2023.

Early life and education

Oborevwori was born on 19 June 1963 to the family of Chief Samuel and Mrs. Esther Oborevwori of Osubi town in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. He began his education at Alegbo Primary School and completed his secondary education at Oghareki Grammar School, Oghareki. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, in 2004 and later obtained a master's degree in

political science Political science is the scientific study of politics. It is a social science dealing with systems of governance and Power (social and political), power, and the analysis of political activities, political philosophy, political thought, polit ...

from

Delta State University Delta State University (DSU) is a public university in Cleveland, Mississippi, a city in the Mississippi Delta. History The school was established in 1924 by the State of Mississippi, using the facilities of the former Bolivar County Agricultu ...

, Abraka, in 2010. Oborevwori is an alumnus of the

Alliance Manchester Business School Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS) is the business school of the University of Manchester in Manchester, England. It is one of the oldest business schools in the UK, and provides education to undergraduates, postgraduates and e ...

Manchester University The University of Manchester is a public university, public research university in Manchester, England. The main campus is south of Manchester city centre, Manchester City Centre on Wilmslow Road, Oxford Road. The University of Manchester is c ...

, where he completed a Leadership Executive Certificate Programme and the

London School of Economics and Political Science The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), established in 1895, is a public university, public research university in London, England, and a member institutions of the University of London, member institution of the University ...

, where he received a certificate in a programme on Leading Inclusive Development.

Political career

Oborevwori began his political career as a grassroots politician and served as the chairman of the Okpe Community. However, he came into the limelight in 2015 when he was elected as the representative of the Okpe State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly under the PDP. This followed 19 years of public service, which began with his role as a councillor in 1996. He was elected speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly on 11 May 2017 following the impeachment of the then speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya. He was re-elected in 2019 as the speaker for a second term, following his victory at the polls to represent the Okpe State Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly. He was declared the governor-elect of Delta State on 20 March 2023 after winning the gubernatorial elections held on 18 March 2023 but defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in April 2025

Professional affiliations, awards and special recognition

Oborevwori is a member of several professional bodies, including the

Nigerian Institute of Management The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) is a non-profit institution that defines the required skills and standards for professional managers, and offers courses leading to diplomas in Management. History The Nigerian Management Group was forme ...

(Chartered). He is also a chartered management consultant of the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, Canada and a fellow of the Institute Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC). On 14 May 2018, he was honoured by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) with a Legislative Icon Award in recognition of his educational initiatives and scholarship programmes benefiting students across Delta State. He was also conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ukodo of Okpe by Orhorho I, the Orodje of Okpe, in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of the Okpe Kingdom.

Philanthropic activities

In 2018, Oborevwori provided scholarships to 25 indigene and non-indigene students in Okpe Local Government for the 2018/2019 academic session. He also launched other empowerment initiatives through the Oborevwori Foundation Scholarship Scheme. These efforts included distributing entrepreneurship and support items worth six million naira. Donations included 24 buses/cars, 10 tricycles, 20 hairdressing salon kits (including generators), 40 grinding machines, 30 sewing machines, 20 deep freezers for market women in the frozen food business, and clothing for hundreds of widows.

Personal life

Oborevwori is married to Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori. In May 2011, she was reportedly abducted by gunmen along Osubi road in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. The culprits were later arrested and sentenced to 21 years in prison.

References