Two lawyers from the Isoko ethnic group have taken the Delta State Government to court, accusing it of unfair treatment. They claim that Isoko South and Isoko North Local Government Areas were completely left out of a new ₦230 billion project plan recently approved by the state.
The projects were given the green light during a recent Executive Council (EXCO) meeting led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. But the approval sparked strong criticism from Isoko leaders, who described the decision as “discriminatory” and “unconstitutional.”
Who is Taking the Government to Court?
The lawsuit was filed at the Delta State High Court in Oleh by two Abuja-based lawyers — Barristers Anthony Asuotu Ejumejowo and Oke Michael Aziakpono. They are asking the court to declare the exclusion of their communities as illegal and unfair.
They also want the court to stop the government from continuing with the allocation unless all local government areas, including Isoko South and North, are included.
Who Are They Suing?
The people named in the lawsuit include:
- The Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
- The Commissioner for Finance
- The Delta State House of Assembly
- The Speaker of the House
The case is officially registered as Suit No: HCO/M/16/2025.
Why Are They Angry?
In court documents, the lawyers claim that:
- ₦230 billion was allocated for infrastructure projects in 23 local government areas.
- Isoko South and Isoko North were not included, even though they are part of Delta State and produce oil.
- The decision to leave them out is unfair, discriminatory, and violates the Nigerian Constitution.
- They believe the government is favoring certain local government areas connected to the governor and past leaders.
Ejumejowo also said the 2025 Appropriation Law, which guides how the state spends its money, has not been made public. He called it a “secret diary” used only by the governor and a few politicians.
The lawyers want the court to:
- Declare the exclusion unlawful and unconstitutional
- Cancel the current allocation of ₦230 billion
- Stop the government from making similar decisions in the future
What the Government Says
In response, Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, defended the government’s actions. He said the Oborevwori administration is committed to developing every part of Delta State, including the Isoko areas.
He explained that over 53 projects have either been completed, approved, or are in progress in Isoko North and South. These include roads, healthcare centers, and support for schools.
What’s Next?
The court has not yet announced a date to hear the case.
For now, Isoko leaders and their legal team are waiting for justice — and for their communities to be treated equally when it comes to development in Delta State.
