The race for the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives has taken a fresh turn, with local advocates pointing toward a change in leadership style as the key to unlocking lasting stability in the region. The Niger Delta Grassroots Organisation has thrown its weight behind Mrs. Ebiyemi Omatseye, who is flying the flag of the African Democratic Congress. According to the group, her candidacy represents a shift toward a representative who possesses the track record and genuine capacity to protect the multi-ethnic interests of the constituency.
For nearly two decades, men have continuously held the legislative seat for Warri Federal Constituency. Observers from Zoyols News note that despite this long unbroken line of male representation, ethnic tensions within the area have frequently flared up year after year. This persistent friction has led grassroots advocates to look for an alternative leadership style—one that prioritizes community safety and breaks down the historical walls of division between the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people.
The National Coordinator of the grassroots organization, Comrade Weyinmi Olley, emphasized that backing Mrs. Omatseye is about much more than just hitting gender representation targets. While her election would align with international standards for putting more women in governance, her supporters argue that her appeal lies in her approachable nature and her practical, long-standing commitment to peace. She is viewed not just as a candidate, but as a calming voice capable of speaking directly to the anxieties of all indigenous tribes in Warri.
Her advocates point to her past actions as proof of this inclusive mindset. Long before the original Warri Local Government was split into the current three local government areas of Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West, Mrs. Omatseye served as the First Lady alongside her husband, Prince Sunny Omatseye, during his chairmanship. That period is frequently remembered by locals as a peaceful era for the various ethnic groups in the area.
Even after that administration ended and deep communal crises eventually broke out in the region, Mrs. Omatseye and her husband actively maintained an open-door policy. Reports highlight how their home became a literal safe haven for Ijaw leaders and other ethnic figures seeking shelter during the worst moments of the unrest.
This history of treating every resident with equal dignity, regardless of their tribal background, is exactly why local stakeholders believe she can build bridges in the green chamber. The push for her candidacy is rooted in the belief that Warri now requires a detribalized and accessible leader—someone who has already proven through real-life crises that the lives and safety of every Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo person genuinely matter.
