Delta State has seen a series of leaders since its formation. This guide provides a complete list of the state’s governors, including their terms in office and political parties. Plus, you’ll learn about the first governor, the current governor, and the current deputy governor of the state.
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List Of Delta State Governors From 1991 Till Date
| Name | Term Period | Successor |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Chijiuba Ochulor | 28 August 1991 - January 1992 | Felix Ibru |
| Felix Ibru | January 1992 - November 1993 | Abdulkadir Shehu |
| Abdulkadir Shehu | 17 November 1993 - 10 December 1993 | Bassey Asuquo |
| Bassey Asuquo | 10 December 1993 - 26 September 1994 | Ibrahim Kefas |
| Ibrahim Kefas | 26 September 1994 - 22 August 1996 | John Dungs |
| John Dungs | 22 August 1996 - 12 August 1998 | Walter Feghabo |
| Walter Feghabo | 12 August 1998 - 29 May 1999 | James Ibori |
| James Ibori | 29 May 1999 - 29 May 2007 | Emmanuel Uduaghan |
| Emmanuel Uduaghan | 29 May 2007 - 29 May 2015 | Ifeanyi Okowa |
| Ifeanyi Okowa | 29 May 2015 - 29 May 2023 | Sheriff Oborevwori |
| - Sheriff Oborevwori | -29 May2023 - Incumbent | -None |
Who Was The First Governor Of Delta State?
The first governor of Delta State, Nigeria, was Felix Ibru. He took office on January 2, 1992, after being elected as the executive governor in the 1991 elections.
Delta State had just been created in 1991, making Ibru the inaugural leader of the state. His tenure lasted until November 17, 1993, when he was removed from office due to a military coup.
Felix Ibru was born on December 7, 1935, in Agbarha-Otor, which is located in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. He came from a prominent family; his father was Chief Peter Epete Ibru.
He was the second of seven siblings, and his brother, Michael Ibru, was a well-known businessman who founded the Ibru Organization, a major company in Nigeria.
Ibru attended Igbobi College and served as Head Boy. Later, he won a scholarship to study architecture at the Nottingham School of Architecture in the UK, where he graduated in 1962.
His achievements included becoming the first Black President of the British Council in Nottingham, which led to a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.
Before joining politics, Ibru had a successful career as an architect and businessman. He established an architectural firm and was involved in numerous projects across Nigeria.
However, his political career began in the early 1980s, and despite an unsuccessful Senate run in 1983, he eventually became a senator for Delta Central from 2003 to 2007.
Felix Ibru’s impact on Delta State is remembered through his leadership and contributions to the state’s development. Sadly, he passed away on March 12, 2016.
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Who Is The Current Governor Of Delta State?
The current Governor of Delta State is Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, who took office on May 29, 2023, after winning the gubernatorial election held on March 18, 2023.
Oborevwori is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and served as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly from June 2017 until he became governor.
Born on June 19, 1963, in Osubi Town, Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori completed his primary education at Alegbo Primary School and his secondary education at Oghareki Grammar School.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Ambrose Alli University, which he obtained in 2004, and a master’s degree in political science from Delta State University in 2010.
He has also participated in leadership programs at prestigious institutions like the Alliance Manchester Business School and the London School of Economics.
However, Oborevwori was actively involved in local governance and community service before now. He first entered politics as a councilor in 1996 and rose through different positions before becoming a member of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2015.
He was elected Speaker in 2017 and re-elected in 2019. Governor Oborevwori is known for his commitment to education and community development.
He established the Oborevwori Foundation, which has provided scholarships to many students in Okpe Local Government.
His philanthropy includes financial support for local businesses and empowerment programs for market women and artisans. He is married to Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, and together, they are engaged in different community initiatives.
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Who Is The Current Deputy Governor Of Delta State?
Monday John Onyeme is the current Deputy Governor of Delta State, and he has been serving since May 29, 2023, after winning the gubernatorial election held in March of that year.
Onyeme is part of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was sworn in alongside the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Monday Onyeme was born on March 30, 1965, in Ibabu, Onicha Ukwuani, located in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
He completed his early education at Army Children’s School in Sokoto and later attended Government Secondary School in Gummi, Kebbi State. He graduated with a degree in Accountancy from the University of Calabar in 1990.
Onyeme began his career as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, before moving to the banking sector.
He was a Chief Accountant at Octopus Credential Limited and Head of Finance at the National Agriculture Land Development Authority in Asaba.
He also served as the Bursar at both the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba and the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos.
Onyeme’s political career began in 2015 when he was appointed Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue. He was reappointed in 2019 and played a notable part in revenue generation for the state.
In June 2022, he was selected as the deputy governorship candidate for the 2023 election, which led to his current position as Deputy Governor.
As Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme is focused on supporting the state government’s initiatives and improving the lives of residents in Delta State.