Concerned indigenes of Burutu Local Government Area have appealed to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to order an investigation into the claimed indigeneship of Ms. Umolo Oghenerioke, whose proposed appointment as Head of Personnel Management (HPM) under the Burutu quota has raised concerns.

In a petition signed by Comrade Felix Ayikimi Suowei on behalf of the group, the petitioners alleged that Oghenerioke may have misrepresented her origin.

"Concerned Indigenes of Burutu Local Government Area respectfully appeal to His Excellency to intervene and direct the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, under the leadership of its Chairman, Hon. Dcn. Joseph Otirhue, to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged claim of Burutu/Kiagbodo indigeneship by Ms. Umolo Oghenerioke, who is alleged to originate from Ovwodokpokpo Olomu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area," part of the statements read.

The petitioners said the matter had been brought to the attention of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission through petitions and other communications, including representations by HRM Pere Samuel Akpmiemie Fuludu, the traditional ruler of Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom.

They also referred to a petition dated September 17, 2026, submitted to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Dcn. Joseph Otirhue. 

The petition called for an investigation into the alleged declaration of indigeneship, possible misrepresentation in service records and Oghenerioke’s proposed appointment under the Burutu quota.

The group said the allegations, which it stressed remained unverified, raised questions about the integrity of the Council’s appointment and quota system, arguing that the matter should be resolved before an appointment is made to a position allocated to Burutu LGA.

The petitioners urged the governor to direct an independent investigation into Oghenerioke’s claim and review any relevant service records, certificates, affidavits and certificates of origin, and also asked that the proposed appointment be deferred until her eligibility is determined.

The group further called on the authorities to ensure that the Burutu quota is administered in line with applicable laws and principles of fairness and equity, while they urged the government to take appropriate action in accordance with the law if any unlawful conduct is established.

The petitioners said they were seeking transparency and due process, not the denial of anyone’s legitimate rights, and maintained that the appointment should proceed only after the relevant claims have been assessed using verifiable evidence and established records.