19 Years of Royal Grace: Celebrating HRM Orhue I, The Orodje of The Great Okpe Kingdom — From Battlefield to Royal Court
By Wilson Macaulay
In the annals of Nigerian traditional leadership, few monarchs embody the seamless transition from national service to royal stewardship as gracefully as His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I, the Orodje of the great and ancient Okpe Kingdom. As His Royal Majesty marks nineteen years on the revered throne, the people of Okpe and the larger Delta State reflect on the reign of a monarch whose leadership has been marked by integrity, stability, and visionary progress.
From Military Valor to Royal Nobility
Born into the royal lineage of Okpe, HRM Orhue I was nonetheless shaped by a distinguished military career. Trained as an officer in the Nigerian Army, he rose through the ranks to become a Major General, earning a reputation for discipline, tactical brilliance, and patriotism. His meritorious service includes his deployment as ECOMOG Commander (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) peacekeeping mission in Liberia, during one of the region’s most turbulent periods. His role in fostering stability in a war-torn West African nation underscores his enduring commitment to peace, diplomacy, and human dignity.
Beyond his battlefield accomplishments, His Royal Majesty further demonstrated his dedication to national development through academic engagement. His appointment as the Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, exemplifies his recognition as a leader of intellect and educational advocacy. In that capacity, he has contributed to the formation of future leaders within the military and civil spheres, championing values of discipline, service, and intellectual excellence.
A Reign Rooted in Peace and Vision
Ascending the throne in July 2006, following the passing of his predecessor, HRM Orhue I brought to the royal court a wealth of experience, a spirit of justice, and a deep sense of cultural identity. His coronation was not only a celebration of royal succession but a national event graced by prominent Nigerians across political, military, and diplomatic circles — a testament to his national stature.
For the past nineteen years, his reign has brought peace and cohesion to the Okpe Kingdom — one of the oldest and most culturally significant traditional institutions in Delta State and the larger Urhobo nation. His rule has emphasized developmental dialogue, inter-ethnic cooperation, and cultural revival, earning him widespread respect among traditional rulers, state actors, and the general populace.
In 2022, he was formally appointed Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers by the then-Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. The appointment, conveyed through the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, acknowledged his exemplary leadership and the confidence reposed in his ability to unite and guide the state’s royal institutions with wisdom and fairness.
A Custodian of Heritage and Unity
HRM Orhue I is more than a figurehead. He is a custodian of Urhobo identity, a symbol of traditional legitimacy, and an advocate for the modernization of cultural institutions. He has championed initiatives aimed at preserving Urhobo language, customs, and rites, while promoting education, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion across his domain.
His royal court remains a hub for peaceful resolution of disputes, inter-communal dialogue, and policy advocacy. His wise counsel is often sought by political leaders, business executives, and traditional stakeholders, positioning him as a bridge between the past and the future — and between tradition and governance.
A Royal Legacy in Motion
As HRM Orhue I celebrates 19 years on the revered throne of the great Okpe kingdom ,his legacy continues to inspire. He has exemplified the possibility of blending military discipline with royal diplomacy, and traditional heritage with national service. His life journey — from the rigors of military command to the sacred duties of kingship — is a model for leadership in contemporary Nigeria.
The Okpe people, Delta State, and the entire Urhobo nation stand proud of a monarch who has not only protected their heritage but elevated it on the national and global stage.
Going by the providence of God upon Okpe at this moment, we can comfortably assert that His Majesty’s reign remains a golden chapter in the history of Okpe Kingdom.
Omogu, Wo suntor
Long may you reign.
