As the clamour for who becomes the next chairman after the Dr. Shadrack Otuaro-led executive council of Okerenkoko Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State gathers momentum, one of the frontline contestants, Dcn Ernest Bebenimibo, has withdrawn his interest from the leadership race.

Dcn. Bebenimibo, who is the founder of the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation, EBF, made his decision to withdraw from the race in a message to PENGlobal on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

The philanthropist and youth leader cited the intervention of key leaders in the kingdom, among whom is the well-respected High Chief Government Ekpemupolo AKA Tompolo, who intervened and counseled him to focus on more higher assignments in service to the community and the kingdom at large.

He said, "I, Dcn Ernest Bebenimibo, a frontline contestant for chairman of Okerenkoko Federated Community, hereby withdraw my interest to contest for the chairmanship position.

"My decision is due to the respect I have for our kingdom and community leaders especially our High Chief Dr Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, to dedicate my focus to look forward to higher assignments," he added.

He promised to cooperate with Chief Mosco Johnny, one of the leading candidates whom he also congratulated and pledged to support toward the growth and development of Okerenkoko, which he noted is not only reserved for the executive council but a duty for all her indigenes.

"I hereby offer my congratulations to Chief Mosco Johnny whom I was asked to step down for and I wish him the best. I also pledge to give him my unflinching support backed with my wide range of experience for the progress of our dear community," Dcn. Bebenimibo assured.

The EBF founder thanked the leaders of Okerenkoko and the kingdom at large for rating his personality high and for giving him the opportunity to offer himself to serve the people of Okerenkoko.

It was learnt that the tenure of the Dr. Otuaro-led executive council of Okerenkoko Federated Community is billed to elapse on June 19, 2025. Also, the decision of who becomes the head and member of the executive council involves an internal process where the federating units of the community presents their representative candidates.

#penglobalpolitics #Okerenkoko #Gbaramatu #Delta