By Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR
The political atmosphere in Warri South Constituency II has intensified as the media team of the lawmaker representing the constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Chief) Benson Obire, has strongly refuted allegations made against him by former lawmaker, Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru.
In a detailed rejoinder issued on Tuesday, Obire’s camp dismissed claims reportedly made by Opuoru at a public gathering and published by Fresh Angle Newspaper on March 31, 2026, describing them as “false, misleading, and defamatory.”
The statement specifically denied allegations that Obire engaged in blackmail, challenging Opuoru to provide “verifiable evidence—audio, visual, or written” to support his claims.
“At no time has Hon. (Chief) Benson Obire blackmailed or defamed Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru before, during, or after the 2023 elections,” the statement read.
The media team further described Obire as a man of “proven integrity and high moral standing,” arguing that the allegations were inconsistent with his character and public record.
Central to the dispute is Opuoru’s claim that Obire is not an indigene of Warri South—a claim the Obire camp described as “laughable and borne out of ignorance.”
Providing a detailed background, the statement maintained that Obire is a bona fide indigene of Otovwodo (Agbassa) in Agbarha Community, Warri South Local Government Area, with maternal ties to the Omamoh family.
According to the statement, Obire was born and raised in the community, attended schools in Warri, and later graduated from Delta State University, Abraka.
The rebuttal highlighted Obire’s longstanding involvement in community leadership, noting that he served as Youth Chairman of Otovwodo (Agbassa) Community for four years and later as National Youth President of the Agbarha National Youth Council for two terms.
His leadership trajectory, the statement added, saw him rise to the traditional position of Oghwuvwie (Prime Minister) of the community, and subsequently to Deputy Unuovwodo (Deputy King’s Representative), a role he currently occupies.
“These positions, held over several years, clearly demonstrate his roots and acceptance within the community,” the statement noted.
Obire’s camp also pointed to his victory in the 2023 Delta State House of Assembly election, where he defeated Opuoru, as further evidence of his legitimacy and acceptance among constituents.
“It is inconceivable for someone not from the community to rise through such ranks and secure electoral victory,” the statement argued.
Turning the tables, the statement accused Opuoru of engaging in “campaigns of calumny” and attempting to mislead the public following his electoral defeat.
It questioned the relevance of Opuoru’s remarks at the reported gathering, suggesting they reflected political frustration rather than substantive engagement.
While acknowledging that electoral defeat can be difficult, the Obire camp urged Opuoru to exercise restraint and avoid “politics of bitterness.”
The statement also cautioned Opuoru against making remarks perceived as disrespectful to traditional rulers, warning that such actions could have serious cultural and social implications.
It called on the former lawmaker to retract his statements and issue an apology.
Reaffirming Obire’s commitment to governance, the media team described him as a “silent achiever” focused on legislative duties and delivering on campaign promises.
It added that his performance record would be made public at the appropriate time.
Looking ahead, the statement expressed confidence in Obire’s chances in the forthcoming party primaries under the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that “victory is certain.”
The latest exchange underscores rising political tensions in Warri South Constituency II as stakeholders position themselves ahead of future electoral contests, with both camps trading accusations in what appears to be an intensifying rivalry.
