Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori? Sheriff Oborevwori is the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly and 2023 governorship hopeful on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). He is a destiny child, divine gift to Delta State. He is an intelligent, accomplished politician, motivator, man who believes in equity, fairness, peace and justice, a bridge builder and always there when needed by the people.
The story of the life of Sheriff Oborevwori is to say the least, an interesting one. It could be likened to a piece of comedy articulated by a well skilled craftsman, articulately depicting the sweet memories of joy and expectations usually aroused by the arrival of a bouncing baby boy some five decades ago, naturally followed by both expected and unexpected later developments that characterized his early life.
The developments as they were, introduced that twist his life that was to prepare him for greater challenges ahead which of course, like a maestro destined to always conquer, had continued to do so.
Yes, a child of destiny he may be. Destiny to different people means different things. When some people try and fail in certain endeavours, they heap the blame on destiny.
Some heap together mistakes of their lives, and create a monster they call Destiny
But if every difficulty or failure in one endeavour or the other is as a result of Destiny, it’s definitely not so for Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori.
Those who are close to him and know him well can attest that he does not believe it is over until it is over.
Oborevwori’s approach to life is vividly captured by Williams J. Bryan when he said of Destiny, and I quote, “Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.
In life, this appears to be his guiding principle and of course, interwoven with a high IQ, there has never been any stopping for Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori.
To him, just like Orison S. Marden had earlier reasoned, “Our destiny changes with our thoughts; we shall become what we wish to become, do what we wish to do when our habitual thought corresponds with our desire”.
If by saying that all men are born equal, we mean equal by being born by the same process of procreation and child bearing. That is very true but in no other sense. Birth, talent, labour, virtue and providence are forever making differences.
Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori, coming from a humble parentage, had early enough imbibed strict discipline if he must actualize his destiny and even though now a speaker of the most vibrant House of Assembly in Nigeria, it is still debatable if this is the goal he had set for himself. Whether or not, God willing, only time will tell.
Explicitly captured by the description of man by Frank Curtis Williams, when he said “man is responsible. He must turn the alloy of modern experience into the steel of mastery and character. His success lie not with the stars but with himself. He must carry on the fight of self-correction and discipline”, Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori has indeed, mastered to obey and has known to command.
Simple but not simplistic, humble, unassuming, unostentatious, unpretentious, unobtrusive and what have you, Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwi can safely be described as any reasonable and ambitious persons model.
With all this avalanche of virtues, you can see why he had been able to lead the state House of Assembly peacefully and efficiently for some many years now as a reward for hard work and unprecedented leadership.
He was born in the early 1960s to the reputable family of chief Samuel and Mrs Esther Oborevwori of Osubi town in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. He had his early education at Alegbo primary school, Effurun. He also attended Aladja and completed his secondary education at Oghareki Grammar School, Oghareki, Delta state.
He attended Ambrose Ali university, Ekpoma, where he obtained B.Sc. in Political Science and subsequently pursued his post-graduate education at the Delta State University, Abraka, where he obtained an MSc. in Political Science.
Oborevwori was the pioneer Chairman of the Osubi Community from 1996 to 2003, where he contributed tremendously to the development of the community making sure there were peace and security all through his tenure.
He was also elected by his people as a Councilor in 1996, and he has subsequently appointed the supervisory councilor for works in Okpe Local Government Council.
He has also served as the senior special Assistant on security to the Executive Governor of Delta State from 2012 to 2014, Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on youth Development from 2003 to 2006, Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta state on Land security, August 2007 to September 2010, State coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, 2009 to 2010.
Oborevwori (JP) has been recognized with many awards by many organizations for his service to humanity, social and traditional institutions, which include the chieftaincy title of the Ukodo of the Okpe Kingdom in 2003, by His Royal Majesty, the Orhorho 1, Orodje of Okpe kingdom.
He is also a fellow of the Institute Chartered Mediators and conciliators (FICMC), Member Nigerian Institute of Management (chartered), Chartered Management Consultant, Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, Canada, Certificate on Top Executive Leadership Programme, Manchester Business School, Manchester University, Certificate on conflict Resolution in Democracy, Dubai, Certificate on Legislative Management and leadership, International Law institute (ILI), Washington Dc, USA, Certificate on Leading Inclusive Development from London school of Economics and Political Science, Merit Award from National Association of Okpe Students (NAOS), Merit Award from National Association of Nigerian students (NANS), Certificate of Honour from Okpe kingdom and other several Awards from different Organisations and Institutions, Justice of Peace, 2007.
He was elected Member of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2015 to represent Okpe State Constituency and Elected speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, May 11, 2017, till date.
Records show that the Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori has a cordial working relationship with journalists in the state. This relationship makes his legislative functions move smoothly.
It was gathered that his style of leadership in Delta State House of Assembly, has accorded him the success with strong supports from members and staff of the Assembly to move it forward and this has also made them to throw their weight behind his 2023 governorship ambition.
Also, it should be noted that numerous students are in his scholarship scheme and he is still continuing as more new students are being included on regular basis. Also, many persons from within and outside his constituency have benefited from his empowerment scheme, which includes cash presentation, car gifts, starter packs, hair driers, generators amongst others.
However, because Oborevwori is a factor that cannot be neglected in the political equation of Delta State, in view of his political track records and grassroots support, his constituents are solidly behind him.
He is politically organized, focused and disciplined. He ensures that major, political decisions are discussed by all the leaders in the State before approval is made. Sheriff Oborevwori, in many respect, is an archetypal Nigeria politician, who has combined politics with the ambivalence of a shrewd and calculated politician. For Sheriff Oborevwori, networking is a veritable tool in politics. No wonder, he is a master and always on top of his game with vast and massive followers across Delta State. He is a sharp politician with a gift of the garb with an average height and a rare permanent smile that lights up his ebony blackface and cuts the picture of a man always at peace with everybody.
He has plans for most contingencies guided by towering confidence in an ability that does not accept “No” for an answer until it becomes crystal clear that the objective is unattainable.
According to one of his ‘loyalist, “he is the most qualified for the number one seat of the State, and also, the speaker though highly taciturn displays humour as his abiding hallmark.”
Behind the iron frame, is a man who has a huge capacity to makes jokes that put you at ease. This often appears to be an extension of his public and human relations strategies. He wraps very serious matters of state in foils of laughter”.
He is always preaching the gospel of a man who is focused on his goals and not allowing detractors to dictate to him. Even friends and foes alike admit he is principled, outspoken and is a courageous fighter.
Some are uncomfortable with his brutal frankness, but no one can accuse him of double talk.
Since his assumption of office as a Speaker in 2017, he has put to rest the age-long struggle between the civil servants and the leadership of the assembly. Under his able leadership, the House of Assembly premises and legislative quarters are wearing good looks. He has provided basic working facilities, good office accommodation for staff and a lot of other incentives such as capacity building to improve staff productivity. There is no doubt that the Delta State House of Assembly with Rt. (Hon.) Sheriff Oborevwori, (JP) as Speaker will continue to make meaningful legislation for the continued development of Delta State, many Deltans want people like him to continue in piloting the affairs of the State, as governor come 2023.
