diff --git a/src/keri/core/eventing.py b/src/keri/core/eventing.py
index b02d5ca2..d15cb65b 100644
--- a/src/keri/core/eventing.py
+++ b/src/keri/core/eventing.py
@@ -2380,7 +2380,8 @@ def valSigsWigsDel(self, serder, sigers, verfers, tholder,
         # Doesn't get to here until fully signed and witnessed.
 
         if self.locallyDelegated(delpre):  # local delegator
-            if delseqner is None or delsaider is None or not local: # missing delegation seal
+            # must be local if locallyDelegated or caught above as misfit
+            if delseqner is None or delsaider is None: # missing delegation seal
                 # so escrow delegable. So local delegator can approve OOB.
                 # and create delegator event with valid event seal of this
                 # delegated event and then reprocess event with attached source