Exercise Caution: Don’t Drag UPU into the Mud Out of Ignorance or Malice.

It is unfortunate that some individuals are using the recent visit by the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as an opportunity to insult both the UPU leadership and the Urhobo people, as well as the immediate past governor himself. 

Some are even attempting to portray Okowa as an “outsider,” undermining his contributions and sacrifices for Urhobo Nation. This conduct is not only disrespectful but also an attempt to sow division among Urhobo people and other tribes.

The visit by the UPU leadership to the former governor had been planned and a date fixed, even before Okowa’s invitation by the EFCC. The UPU visit was to officially thank Sen. Okowa for the total support he gave to their son H.E. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to succeed him as Governor, particularly in ensuring that the zoning arrangement was respected, even in the face of competing interests from other ethnic groups. 

It is therefore deeply disappointing to see certain individuals, particularly from the Urhobo APC, distorting these facts and using them to spread divisive and misleading narratives aimed at discrediting the UPU. 

The UPU has a longstanding tradition of engaging with political leaders across party lines when it concerns the well-being and progress of the Urhobo nation. This visit to Okowa is no different. Why, then, is this particular visit being singled out for ridicule?

To accuse Chief Ese and his executive of betraying Urhobo nation simply because of their visit to Okowa is both unfair and disrespectful. The current UPU leadership based on available public records has shown high level of commitment on matters that concerns the progress and development of Urhobo land.

Before we forget, as governor, Okowa, an Ika man, (the outsider) contributed generously to the Urhobo cause, including a donation towards the completion of the Urhobo House. Additionally, through DESOPADEC, he facilitated interventions for the benefit of the Urhobo people. Yet, today, some are suddenly labeling Okowa an “outsider” and an enemy.

This concerted effort to label the UPU as extension of the PDP is a misguided and politically motivated attack. It ignores the fundamental role of the UPU as a guardian of Urhobo interests. 

Okowa’s contributions to Urhobo interests, regardless of anyone’s political grievances, are undeniable and should not be dismissed for political expediency.

The UPU, which has long stood for the collective interest of the Urhobo people, deserves respect. Attempts to politicize and undermine the UPU by certain factions within the Urhobo APC, along with their cohorts, do nothing but harm the prestige and unity of the Urhobo nation. This reckless behavior must stop.

Those who have been contracted or are willingly participating in these efforts to undermine the UPU, insult Urhobo leaders, and create division must cease immediately. The Urhobo interest should always come before personal or political agendas.

The accusations that the UPU is complicit in corruption or neglecting the interests of the Urhobo people are politically motivated and without merit. Such attacks only serve to distract from the genuine progress that the UPU and the Urhobo people have made, particularly in terms of political leadership, today.

As long as Governor Sheriff is in power, the Urhobo nation needs the support of all political leaders, including former Governor Okowa and the Delta North district, among others. It is in the best interest of the Urhobo people to promote unity, not conflict.

Every well-meaning Urhobo person must rise above petty politics and refuse to allow anyone to drag the Urhobo nation or Delta Central into unnecessary political crises. Enough!!!

- Cyprian Odifili.