Ozoro Kingdom, the traditional headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area in Delta State, has issued an open letter to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, decrying what it described as years of neglect, marginalization, and systemic shortchanging by the Delta State Government.
In the statement published by the Ozoro Vanguard and dated August 5, 2025, community leaders and stakeholders from Ozoro Kingdom accused the state government of deliberately under-developing the area despite its immense economic contributions to the state and nation.
According to Ozoro Vanguard, with over 200,000 inhabitants and an estimated crude oil production of over 7,000 barrels per day, Ozoro Kingdom boasts one of the largest reserves and outputs of crude oil in Delta State. The kingdom plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing to the Federation Account through derivation funds, IGR, and ecological funds. Despite this, the community claims it has been sidelined in infrastructural development and key appointments.
“It is hard to mention any state government project that has been completed and commissioned in Ozoro Kingdom since 1999, apart from the few in the University,” the statement read, referencing the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
List of Abandoned Projects and Unmet Demands
The letter outlines numerous abandoned or uncompleted projects across Ozoro Kingdom, including:
A low-cost housing estate at Erowie Idheze Road
A female ward project at the Ozoro General Hospital
DESOPADEC and NDDC-funded road and drainage projects
Abandoned electrification efforts, including the 132/33kV substation and power lines
Uncompleted model schools and civic centers
A lack of internal roads, modern water systems, and essential infrastructure
Among their core demands are the construction of 20 kilometers of internal roads, the building of a teaching hospital for the state university, the completion of the NDDC and DESOPADEC projects, and the establishment of a functional food control system in the region.
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The letter was signed by several leaders of Ozoro Kingdom, including Chief Solomon Ateni, Eshorom Michael (Ph.D), Hon. Comr. Atijie Benson, Osioni Ogbaide Richard, and six others. Together, they urged Governor Oborevwori to urgently address the injustice and visibly demonstrate the government’s commitment to fair representation and development.
“This challenge is to the Delta State Government to prove all doubters wrong,” the letter states. “We want to support your administration, but we cannot continue to be ignored while our contributions are harvested without reciprocation.” They concluded.
