OKPE UNION REBUKES URHOBO LEADERS, LISTS PRIORITIES
The Okpe Union has expressed concern over the nefarious activities of some elements of the Itsekiri and Urhobo nationalities.
‘’Some elements of the Itsekiri and Urhobo nationalities continue to constitute irritants to the Okpẹ Nation. The Urhobo via their nefarious WADO activities claim Okpẹ territories. We vehemently reject this as Okpẹ is not Urhobo and neither are we an appendage of any ethnic nationality’’.
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The union also stressed its historical mission of facilitating the independence of Okpẹ Nation.
‘’We shall continue to encourage the use of Okpẹ Language in worship and the translation of Church sermons. We shall use the Okpẹ language to enhance the Okpẹ identity and development strategy of Okpẹ Nation. We shall continue to intensify our strategic collaboration with other Okpẹ organizations, as well as with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State and Nigeria, in the realization of this noble historical imperative’’.
The union in a New Year message to the public stressed the need for prominent Nigerians to be thorough and be armed with correct facts in the area of Okpe history, language and culture.
‘’While we reiterate our profound reverence for the Okpẹ Throne, we remain resolute in our defence of democratic tenets and good governance in Okpẹ Nation. We also reiterate our firm view that Okpẹ Kingdom is not an absolute monarchy where a monarch’s pronouncements are considered “final” even when they violate basic democratic norms. We recognize that to toe the path of truth is a difficult choice that only a small minority with sound social consciousness can embark on. Truth can be suppressed but can never be imprisoned’’.
The message delivered by the President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, Prof Igho Natufe emphasized the strategic approach to position Okpẹ stakeholders in the pursuit of the recognition of Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality in Delta State.
‘’This objective remains an existential challenge of the Okpẹ Nation which Okpẹ Union was established to attain. We shall intensify our collaboration with internal and external forces for a better appreciation of the benefits of Okpẹ Identity to all parties, including the Urhobo. The two local government councils in Okpẹ Nation, Sapele LGC and Okpẹ LGC, shall be encouraged to play a pivotal role in the Redemption of the Okpẹ Nation’’.
The union called for cooperation and unity to enhance economic development of Okpẹ Nation.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 2ND 2026)
