By Andrew Unutame
UGHELLI – Dr. Joel Eyetitorn, President General of Erhuvwu Urhobo Worldwide and leader of the Integrity Group, has openly criticized the recent endorsement of Senator Ede Dafenone and Reverend Ejiroghene Waive by the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency Forum (U3).
Speaking in Ughelli, Dr. Joel expressed strong disapproval of their inclusion, while throwing his support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the 2027 elections.
Dr. Joel described the endorsement of President Tinubu as “well-deserved,” citing the president’s ongoing efforts in stabilizing the economy and offsetting inherited national debts.
According to him, “You can see what Mr. President has been doing—paying off debts and supporting governors across the country. They are smiling because they feel the impact of his leadership.”
He also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, stating that the governor’s achievements in just two years surpass those of his predecessors, former governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Arthur Okowa. “Give Sheriff a second term and you’ll see Delta State transformed beyond recognition,” he said.
However, Dr. Joel was critical of the endorsement of Senator Ede Dafenone, which he described as a political misstep. He questioned the senator’s track record and accused him of underperforming since assuming office.
“Senator Ede Dafenone has failed the people of Delta Central. Let him show us one meaningful achievement,” Dr. Joel stated.
He pointed to the senator’s alleged lack of action during the Okuama crisis as evidence of his ineffectiveness. “If not for the intervention of the Delta North senator, our people would have been left without representation,” he added.
Dr. Joel went on to compare Senator Dafenone unfavorably with his late father, Senator David Dafenone. “His father left a legacy, but Ede Dafenone has fallen far below expectations. We have capable hands who can do better for Delta Central,” he noted.
Turning to the House of Representatives, Dr. Joel criticized Reverend Ejiroghene Waive’s push for a third term, describing his legislative contributions as inadequate. “You call yourself a man of God, but what have you done for the people of Ughelli North and South? One school in Udu is not enough,” he said.
He advised Reverend Waive to honorably step down after his current term. “Respectfully, after your second term, go back home. Public office is not your personal property,” Dr. Joel remarked.
The comments by Dr. Joel have stirred political conversation in Delta Central, highlighting internal divisions within the Urhobo political leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. His strong stance contrasts sharply with the U3 Forum’s recent endorsement of the four leaders, potentially reshaping political alignments in the region.
