By Felix Ekwu
Whenever the political history of Delta State is told, one name stands tall: Senator Chief Dr. Ighoyota Amori, a Mosogar-born political tactician and juggernaut from Ethiope West Local Government Area. A distinguished scholar, Amori holds a degree in Geology from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Geophysics from the University of Ibadan, and a PhD in Environmental Geology, also from the University of Benin.
His journey into politics began in 1987 when he was elected Councillor, and later served as Supervisory Councillor for Education in the then Ethiope Local Government Area of the defunct Bendel State. Since then, Chief Amori has consistently demonstrated rare qualities that distinguish him from the average Nigerian politician.
A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, he served as the party’s first State Publicity Secretary (1998–1999). Over the years, he has held numerous key positions including Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Delta State Secretary of the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM), Commissioner for Education (1999–2003), Commissioner for Water Resources Development (2006–2007), and Senior Political Adviser to two successive governors: Chief James Ibori (2004–2006) and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (2011–2015). He also represented Delta Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, albeit for seven months.
What truly sets Chief Amori apart is his detribalized nature. Throughout his career, especially during the Ibori administration, he empowered men, women, and youths from all 25 local government areas of Delta State, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. From past administrations to the current government of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Amori has remained a reliable problem-solver and voice of reason for all.
His level of accessibility, both in and out of the office, is unprecedented. Since 1999, he has maintained two mobile phone lines that remain among the most publicly known in Delta State, if not all of Nigeria, a testament to his open-door policy.
Amori has a history of being dogged, principled, and loyal, even in the face of fierce opposition. One of the most iconic moments in Delta political discourse was his passionate defence of former Governor James Ibori during the height of the resource control struggle, which birthed the 13% oil derivation formula. In a bold statement during a Television interview programme on Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Warri, he declared: “I will dance naked”, a phrase that remains etched in the political memory of the state. He showed the same level of commitment during the emergence of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as PDP gubernatorial candidate in 2015 and continued his unwavering support for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, even after his recent defection to the APC.
Chief Amori detests oppression and is always ready to leverage his influence to help the disadvantaged. He is known not only for giving assistance but also for empowering others, preferring to teach people how to fish rather than simply handing them fish.
Of course, his fierce loyalty has not come without a price. He has faced blackmail, political backlashes, confrontations, and betrayals, even from individuals he once nurtured politically. Many key stakeholders in Delta Central, who owe their rise to his support, have in the past worked against his senatorial ambitions out of envy and rivalry. Yet, despite these setbacks, Amori remains politically relevant, respected, and fulfilled. Whether occupying a political office or not, he continues to touch lives quietly and meaningfully.
As he advances in age, his legacy is even more admired. The Urhobo nation will always remember Senator Amori not just for his political achievements but for his enduring promotion of Urhobo culture and tradition across Nigeria and abroad, in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond. Today, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and various political and non-political organisations hold him in high regard as a true Urhobo irredentist.
Today, August 8, 2025, as Senator Chief Dr. Ighoyota Amori turns 73, he deserves every accolade. His journey is a testament to resilience, commitment, loyalty, and service. A role model to the youth and a pillar in Delta’s political architecture. As he celebrates this significant milestone, we pray that the Almighty God continues to bless him with wisdom, strength, and good health.
Happy 73rd Birthday, Senator Amori.
