Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State is facing mounting political heat after Delta State’s humiliating slip to second place at the just-concluded National Youth Games in Asaba.
What began as an expression of disappointment over the performance of the state’s athletes has escalated into a storm of allegations of nepotism, with critics insisting that the governor’s younger brother, Onoriode Oborevwori, be sacked as chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission.
The governor’s swift demotion of his Executive Assistant on Sports, Festus Owhojero, was initially portrayed as a decisive action.
But opposition voices, analysts, and angry fans now dismiss it as a diversionary tactic, describing it as “a convenient scapegoating” that shields the real power behind Delta’s sports failures.
The state, long celebrated as Nigeria’s youth sports capital, had dominated every edition of the Games since 2013.
This year’s second-place finish, despite being the host, has been described as the state’s worst sporting embarrassment in a decade.
Critics argue that responsibility rests squarely with the sports commission, chaired by Oborevwori, who oversaw funding, preparation, and talent scouting for the event.
“This is selective punishment, plain and simple,” a sports commentator said.
“The governor wants to look tough, but sparing his brother exposes the double standard. If accountability doesn’t start at the top, it’s nothing but politics.”
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While the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has denied knowledge of the demotion of the governor’s aide, critics say his statement may be a face-saving measure to avoid being involved in the brewing controversy.
The backlash has been swift and fierce. The governor is being accused of running “a government of brothers and cronies.”
This is even as calls are growing for an independent audit of the sports commission.
For Gov. Oborevwori, who rode into office in 2023 on promises of transparency and inclusiveness under his MORE Agenda, the scandal has become a credibility test.
The question is no longer about medals but about governance and politics: will he sacrifice family ties to prove sincerity, or will loyalty to his brother erode public trust in his leadership?
With Delta set to host the 10th edition of the Games next year, the political stakes could not be higher.
The governor’s silence on his brother’s fate has left a lingering perception that in Delta politics, accountability ends where family ties begin.
