News From Nigeria
The Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has asserted that all the demands of the Orodje in Council should be discountenanced as the said claims are unfounded in historical facts and law.
‘’The land where PPL 220 is situated belongs to Abigborodo Community’’
He also stated that Ajaji, Ugwo, Ajimele, Aji-Dore, Obotie and Irakpa are Itsekiri communities.
‘’The only existing communities known in Sapele from time immemorial are all Itsekiri communities. Sapele was never an Okpe Community. Rather it was Okpe people who came from Orerokpe to trade with the Itsekiris in Sapele Town. This position is further corroborated by the Intelligence Report of the colonial authority as far back as 1930 on the Ukpe Sobo Clan, wherein they listed all Okpe villages, sub-clans and communities. The notable Okpe villages listed in the Report of L. E. H Fellows on the Ukpe Sobo Clan were Amukpe, Elume, Oorerokpe and Gbukurusu which are all far away from Sapele’’
Uduaghan in a response to the protest by the Udogun Okpe (Orodje in Council) on the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Abigborodo Field in PPL 220 stated that the Udogun Okpe was never at any time during the colonial era in charge of the administration of the Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve when the colonial authority wanted to create the said Forest Reserve.
‘’The Udogun Okpe in 1931 wrote to the said authority, clearly stating that they the Okpe people had no available land to form part of the constitution of the proposed Forest Reserve’’
Uduaghan while urging the public to visit www.abigborodocommunitydeltastate.ng for all the certified documents said at the time Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve was to be constituted, the representative of the Olu of Warri vide a letter dated 11th of July, 1932 wrote the colonial masters informing them that the said land used in constituting the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve belongs to the Itsekiri Nation and therefore asked the colonial authority to cancel the constitution of the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve.
‘’Despite the letter by the representative of the Olu of Warri asking the colonial authority to cancel the constitution of the Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve, the colonial authority went ahead to constitute same’’
The Warri High Chief said at the time Forest Reserve was constituted by the colonial authority, Abigborodo indigenes and their tenants were still farming inside the constituted Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve, which resulted in the arrest of Abigborodo indigenes who were charged before the Magistrate Court at Sapele on the 27th day of March 1940 and presided by His Worship A. V. Scallon ESQ.
‘’ The Magistrate (Limited Powers) discharged and acquitted Abigborodo indigenes on the ground that Abigborodo Community are the owners of the said land and therefore had the right to farm on the said land’’
He disclosed that the then Head of Abigborodo, Alema Okonedo caused a letter/petition to be written to the Governor General against the inclusion of Abigborodo Community lands that traverse through Ugbekoko, Utonyatsere, Ogorode and hole in the creeks without the authority and consent of the Abigborodo Community.
‘’Consequent upon the petition written by Alema Okonedo, the colonial masters acknowledged the petition of Alema Okonedo and promised to look into the claims of Alema Okonedo’’
Uduaghan stated that upon the conclusion of investigation by the Conservator of Forest, Ubiaja Circle, who was directed by the Governor General to investigate the claims of Alema Okonedo, a Report was issued by the Governor General through the Office of the Secretary to the Government wherein the claims of Alema Okonedo were found to true and substantiated.
‘’It is my submission that when the claims of Alema Okonedo were found to be true and substantiated by the colonial authority, a sketch map was produced by the colonial authority showing the areas/land belonging to Abigborodo Community in the Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve’’
As a follow up to the report by the colonial authority which found the claims of Alema Okonedo to be true and substantiated, Uduaghan said a memorandum was published by the colonial authority wherein the Ugbekoko areas belonging to Abigborodo community was recommended for de-reservation and excluded from the Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve and be returned to the people of Abigborodo Community.
‘’As a follow up to the memorandum by the colonial authority, minutes of instruction from the Forest Department of Ubiaja to the conservator, South Central Circle, duly signed by C. A Walker, a proposal was made for the reconstitution of the Forest Reserve and how to carry out the excisions recommended in the memorandum’’
Sequel to the minute of instruction by the colonial authority, Uduaghan revealed that an order was made under the Forest Ordinance (CAP 75) known as the Western Forest Reserve, wherein Order 33 of 1933 was further revised and modified by revoking the first and second schedule thereto and substituted same with the Edict of 1952, wherein the size and boundaries of the excised and de-reserved land belonging to Abigborodo Community was clearly shown and described particularly.
‘’In 1996, the Delta State Government via its official Gazette further released additional 200 acres of land to the already existing enclave of Ugbekoko and Utonyatsere belonging to Abigborodo Community.
He called the Okpe people land grabbers.
‘’When land grabbers of Okpe extraction were encroaching on Abigborodo, Ugbekoko and Utonyatsere lands and selling them off to unsuspecting members of the public, as the defender and custodian of those lands belonging to Abigborodo Community under the over lordship of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, I caused a petition to be written to the Nigeria Police Force which investigated the said petition and found that there was probable cause that certain laws had been violated by some land grabbers of Okpe extraction and the police gave their findings vide a Police Investigation Report’’
He recalled how former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa directed the Ministry of Lands, Delta State to investigate the claim of encroachment by the Okpe people on Abigborodo Community lands.
‘’The Ministry of Lands set up a three man committee which investigated Abigborodo Community claims and came out with a report substantiating the fact that Abigborodo Community Land of Ugbekoko and Utonyatsere were indeed encroached upon by Okpe Community’’
He said the judicial enquiry set up to look into the Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve came up with a white paper further buttressing that Ugbekoko, Utonyatsere and all adjacent lands in the Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve belong to Abigborodo Community.
‘’It is not stated anywhere in the Judicial Panel of Enquiry’s Report issued by the Delta State Government with regards to Ukpe Sobo Forest Reserve that Abigborodo Community is separated from the said Reserve by the natural boundary of Hole in the Creek (Benin River). Abigborodo Township is in Warri North Local Government. However, Abigborodo Community land stretches and traverses into Sapele Local Government Area which has been substantiated by various documents from the colonial records’’
He emphasized the development effort of former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
‘’The claim of the Udogun Okpe of magnanimously allowing the Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan to construct a bridge to link Abigborodo with Sapele is offensive and it shows that the Udogun Okpe is not conversant with the with the provisions of the Land Use Act’’
Uduaghan who is the administrator of Abigborodo, Ugbekoko and Utonyatsere, said in Suit No. 5/23/74 Washi Ogodo & Sapele Okpe Communal Land trustees & 2 ORS, the court held that there is nothing like Sapele Okpe Community Lands.
‘’The erroneous belief of the Udogun Okpe and by extension the Okpe people that because Abigborodo’s Community land and some Itsekiri land are in Sapele Local Government, Okpe Kingdom owns such land is huge fallacy. Local Government Areas are political creations of Government for administrative convenience and does not in any way confer ownership of the land under reference on Okpe people. Sapele is largely Itsekiri owned and this has been shown by various documents from colonial records available at the National Archives, Ibadan’’
He said the area serving as host to the Abigborodo Field in PPL 220 was commissioned by Chevron Nigeria Limited
‘’It was Chevon Nigeria Limited that named the said Abigborodo Field in PPL 220, having done their investigations and found out that Abigborodo Community are the true owners of the said land and consequently recognized Abigborodo Community as the host community’’
‘’Abigborodo Community is a peaceful community and is ready to make sure that the operations of Navante Exploration and Production Limited are seamless and without issues’’ he added.
The grandiosity of Nigerians when they discuss events and situations can be very funny. If the leaders use this kind of creativity in proffering solutions, we may be able to solve some of the problems that plague Nigeria perennially.
There seems to be a sublime affectation for new lingos when the system is being set to punish Nigerians. It is a kind of Orwellian language.
Recently, there was no electricity throughout the country. The usual culprit and government spoke; people came out to tell us the power failure was due to the collapse of the National grid. Does it really matter what is collapsing? This is just an attempt by some government bureaucrats to sound intelligent.
Intelligence is becoming a borrowed commodity from the IMF or World Bank. What does it mean when you tell Nigerians that the national grid collapsed? Is that supposed to be a reassurance, or it is said to give the assurance that they know something about the anemic electricity, and we should get used to the darkness. This is a language that is vague and beckons the consumer to stop complaining. Does that statement mean anything to Nigerians who pay bills and don’t see the electricity they paid for? If they see it, it comes with an irregular voltage that destroys their newly purchased appliances. Just tell or stay quiet like in the past.
We have no national grid. Do these people know how silly their language sounds? Nigeria produces less than 10,000 megawatts of electricity for a population of 200 million people. It is an insult to call this low output a national grid. What is so national about using a generator to supply electricity to 200 million people? It is simple mathematics. If you calculate this to the minute, it should not surprise you that every Nigerian will receive electricity for the duration of the blink of an eye. They are paying for total darkness, and someone is telling them they have an electricity grid.
If you can call the 10,000-megawatt national grid collapsed, it means you don’t have the mind set to solve the electricity problem in Nigeria.
To put it in perspective is to understand the basic fact that the electrical output of Nigeria is pre-industrial. Without acknowledging this fact, we will never find solutions as every mediocre will come and confuse Nigeria with lingos that make them sound important.
It is very shameful for those in the know to always use grandiose language to obfuscate the real issues.
South Africa with a population of sixty million produces about 200,000 megawatts of electricity daily. Nigeria produces less than 10,000 megawatts. Why South Africa makes it easy to lift the poor from poverty, Nigeria is trying to tax the poor into poverty.
The architects of the new tax plan saw the poor as rich because they could afford a generator.
A non-existent subsidy was removed, and the price of fuel went through the roof. Now the government says they are rich. What will they get in return for this tax extraction? Why do successive Nigerian governments always think the best way to develop Nigeria is to slap the poor into poverty? What are the avenues for upward mobility when youth corps members are suddenly seen as rich taxpayers? Do these people know how difficult it is to start a business in Nigeria?
After all the rigmarole from Abuja to my village, I cannot get a government certificate without a-shake down from government bureaucrats and area boys. The government that is so unfriendly to business wants to tax my non-existing businesses. Are these people in their right state of mind? Why do they think that taxing the poor is their best revenue plan? A plan like this can only come from a group of people who have no inkling of what Nigerians are going through. People can’t eat and the government is asking them to share their meager rations with potbellied people in Abuja.
Teach the people how to fish, then you can share in their harvest. If an individual does what the government is doing to Nigerians, it will be called robbery, and the individual will be in prison. When the government taxes people, there is a reciprocal exchange. What is being done in Nigeria does not represent fair exchange.
Nigerians have never gotten anything good from their government except individual wealth that is doled out in Abuja for the selected few.
The question is, will Nigerians have a good electricity supply? NO. Will they have security of persons and properties? No. Will they have improved health care? NO. Will there be good roads? No. Will they have good schools and good education? No.
Taxation is not good governance. A policy like this should never be rushed without adequate studies. Once again, our legislators have let us down. They have never shown the people the reason they were elected and to be re-elected. They are not playing their roles as the watchdog and representatives of the people. Anyone who voted for this tax bill deserves to lose their positions as Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.
We are not in a military regime anymore. Nigerians must start learning how to exercise their franchise. This taxation issue must be litigated at the ballot box. The members of the National Assembly have shown by their assent that they don’t represent the people.
In a normal democracy, taxation without representation should never be tolerated. They must be voted out of office. We have a responsibility and duty to use our voting power to fight unjust laws. Taxation without representation is unjust. Those voted into power will never respect the citizens until the citizens learn to punish errant politicians by voting them out of office. This responsibility is sacred and must be exercised with diligence.
DR AUSTIN ORETTE WRITES FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS
The Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi, has urged foreign investors to come forward and avail themselves of the opportunities in Koko Town.
‘’A number of industries have been set to make maximum use of the available agricultural and mineral based raw materials. Koko Town has become synonymous with industrial development’’
He also urged chief executives and managers of private organizations in the country to show the people of Delta State how committed they are to the development and promotion of sports in Nigeria.
‘’Individuals and groups alike, must support Canaan Land Golf & Country Club in seeking the honour and glories sporting brings to the country, particularly Delta State’’
In a statement in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government, Aganbi said positive steps have been taken towards providing the necessary standard sporting facilities in Koko Town
Aganbi, who is also the Chairman of Canaan Land Golf & Country Club, expressed the happiness of the management and members of Canaan Land Golf & Country Club at celebrating the second anniversary on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
‘’The one-day event marks our club’s two-year anniversary and expands our horizons beyond golf to include badminton, table tennis and darts’’
The statement emphasized networking and socializing, skill development, health and wellness, career advancement and exposure.
‘’As part of the activities, we will host a special anniversary ceremony to reflect our growth, complete with refreshments and networking. Additionally, we will be incorporating a give-back medical outreach program focused on eye care and full health checkups at our Christiana Aganbi Sickbay
The business mogul urged the federal government to contribute towards the development of sports by complementing Canaan Land Golf & Country Club efforts.
‘’Our goal for this event and beyond includes strengthening community ties, promoting wellness and showcasing the potential and opportunity in Koko town through the Canaan Land Smart City, a sustainable development featuring eco-friendly residences, a tech hub, wellness facilities and tourism attractions
The statement also emphasized love, unity and development
‘’The high profile event will be a pleasant and memorable one to athletes, enthusiasts, investors and community leaders’’ the statement added.
President Bola Tinubu has been applauded for putting Nigeria on the path of sustainable development.
He was also commended for fashioning appropriate diplomatic, economic and military instruments of power for protecting national interests and tackling domestic challenges.
‘’President Bola Tinubu is addressing the nation’s key issues’’
The commendation came from the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi.
Aganbi in a New Year message applauded President Tinubu for creating an investment-friendly climate.
He praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his vision, efficiency, transparency, doggedness and commitment to the tested tenets of good governance.
The business mogul urged local and foreign investors to look into the possibility of establishing industries in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government.
‘’The attraction of private sector investment into Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government, is a matter of high priority in Akogate Group and Canaanland Golf & Country Club’’
He urged Nigerians and foreigners to deepen their bond with the Koko growth story.
‘’Land is not a problem in Koko’’
Aganbi who is also the chairman of Canaanland Golf & Country Club urged members of the club to play their roles in the tasks ahead.
‘‘Our assignment is to ensure the unity and progress of Canaanland Golf & Country Club. We will continue working for the interest of all the members. We will continue promoting cooperation, understanding and mutual help among members. We will seek collaborative arrangements with government and private sector operators’’
He commended the members for their commitment and excellent contributions in 2025.
‘’I believe that the spirit of unity which exists in Canaanland Golf and Country Club will enable us to achieve our set goals in 2026. It is therefore with pleasure that I express the executive committee’s appreciation of the suggestions and contributions of members of this club. We are grateful to all’’.
He expressed gratitude to everyone that contributed to the growth of Akogate Group in 2025.
‘’Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, laughter and success’’ he added.
January 1, 2026.
Introduction
Fellow Okpe Citizens I greet you all. Ekpako mẹ, mi di ghwẹn. I bring you fraternal greetings from the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpẹ Union.
It gives me profound joy and a sense of civic responsibility to issue this *NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO OKPE NATION* on behalf of the NEC and the world wide membership of the Okpẹ Union.
First and foremost, we give thanks to God for his blessings and guidance as we successfully navigated our paths in our respective endeavours throughout the year 2025. Second, we pray for God’s continued blessings and guidance in the New Year, 2026 and beyond.
While we pray for ourselves, our families and neighbours, we also pray to God to grant us the will to forge a strong unity of purpose as a People to work collaboratively in our pursuit of the growth and development of Okpẹ Nation, a task which is fundamental to the ideological construct of the Okpẹ Union. As the mouthpiece of the Okpẹ Nation, Okpẹ Union shall remain steadfast on its historical mission of facilitating the independence of Okpẹ Nation, which is to struggle for the recognition of Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality, and not an appendage of any other ethnic nationality.
*The Year 2025*
2025 has been a landmark year for the Okpẹ Nation. One defined by unity, resilience, and purposeful remembrance. Most notably, we proudly commemorated the 95th Anniversary of the establishment of the Okpẹ Union on May 16, a historic milestone that honoured our roots, reaffirmed our identity, and strengthened our collective resolve as a people.Held at the registered national headquarters of the Okpẹ Union in Obalende, Lagos, the Anniversary was attended by members from all branches in Nigeria and from the Diaspora. I thank God for making it possible for me to physically attend this august celebration and to preside over it. The positive vibes at the event were electric, and guided by our ancestors.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to every member whose dedication, sacrifice, and collaboration made the 95th Anniversary, as well as all the other efforts and activities of the Union, a success. Your efforts, seen and unseen, contributed immensely to this feat and to the continued growth and relevance of the Okpẹ Union. Members across Nigeria and in the Diaspora worked tirelessly in rendering their altruistic services to the Okpẹ Union and Okpẹ Nation. In the face of endogenous and exogenous challenges and distractions, our members remained resolute. Mention must also be made of the invaluable financial and moral support we enjoyed from several Okpẹ nationals, non-members of the Union, in support of our activities since 2021.
Okpẹ Union was actively involved in numerous activities throughout 2025. These engagements spread across invitational meetings, celebrations and call to action. Okpẹ Union continues to play critical roles in both the Movement for National Reformation (MNR) and The Rebirth Group (TRG); both national organizations that are actively engaged in the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism. As a stakeholder in TRG, Okpẹ Union participated in its maiden symposium in Ibadan, in May 2024. Subsequently, in 2025, we participated in TRG Symposia on political restructuring of Nigeria, in Enugu, Gombe, and Port Harcourt, in July, October and December, respectively.
The Union took part in several social and community engagements, including funerals, weddings, and other important events. These representations were carried out by members of the NEC, Okpẹ Union branches and in some cases, both organs. We participated in the burial ceremonies of our brother and mentor, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Osume, an illustrious son of Okpẹ Nation and an unwavering advocate of Okpẹ Identity in March 2025. Overall, Okpẹ Union performed admirably in 2025, demonstrating commitment, progress, and strong visibility across various engagements. Our branches have solidified their positions while some have engaged in initiatives geared towards the growth and promotion of Okpẹ Identity. In this regard, we commend the South West Region for the following initiatives:
Plans are in place for other Branches to emulate the South West Region. We are also working on plans to open new branches of the Union in 2026.
Another major activity of the year 2025 is the progress recorded in ongoing court cases, which have continued to yield positive outcomes for the Union. This reflects the Union’s determination and commitment to protecting its interests through legal intervention.We shall continue our legal actions against the contemnors as a just and legal avenue to the restoration of democracy and good governance in Okpẹ Nation.
During the preceding year, the Union was compelled by several factors to address pressing issues affecting the Okpẹ people in the media. Some of these media engagements clarified deliberate distortion of facts regarding Okpẹ Identity. The Union was very active in the media space, either in the social media or mainstream media. These media visibility has positioned the Okpẹ Union as a strategic group among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria capable of championing and protecting the collective interests of the people at home and in the Diaspora.
*OKPE UNION AND OKPE KINGDOM*
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.
*INTERNAL DYNAMICS*
The interference/usurpation of the role of Okpẹ Union as a registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a socio-cultural cum a pressure group has limited our effectiveness, given that much financial resources have been diverted towards our court cases with the renegade group. This role amongst others is being threatened by the traditional leaders maybe for political reasons, as they now want to dictate who emerge the leaders of the Union. The recent anti-Okpẹ Identity role of HRM Orhue l, the Orodje of Okpẹ Kingdom and some of his chiefs, is a challenge which we are destined by History to overcome for the interest of the Okpẹ Nation. The Okpẹ Identity project is a task that is crucial to the entire Okpẹ people.
*OKPE UNION AND EXTERNAL IRRITANTS*
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.
*THE MENACE BY SOME ITSEKIRIS*
The menace by some Itsekiris is more troubling to the Okpẹ Nation. Recalling that we opened our doors to welcome Itsekiri fleeing from their civil war and offered them shelter, it now seems that our hospitality has become a curse; just as the Hausas in the north and indigenous nationalities in central Nigeria are experiencing with the Fulanis. The Itsekiri civil war, known as the “Nana war” of 1894 forced scores of Itsekiris to flee their lands and *”ran for refuge to Sapele where they were granted refuge by the Okpẹ people”*, the owners of Sapele. This was the judgement of the West African Court of Appeal (WACA), Holden at Lagos, Nigeria, on April 30th 1943, before their Honours: Sir Donald Kingdon, Chief Justice of Nigeria – President; Sir Philip Bertis Petrides, Chief Justice, Gold Coast (now Ghana), and George Graham Paul, Chief Justice, Sierra Leone.
As a nationality that prides itself as a respecter of the rule of law and court judgements, one would expect the Itsekiri Nation to honour the 1943 WACA judgement and desist from all their bogus claims on Okpẹ territories. They illegally renamed the sections they were allowed to reside as refugees with Itsekiri names. For example, they changed *Etamua* to “Ogunaja”, *Amua Ogodo* to “Aja Ogodo”, and a part of Amuokpe to “Aja-Sagay”, etc. Speaking on behalf of the Itsekiri Nation, one Prince Nosa had the audacity to declare that:
*”Sapele is a local govt NOT a community. Within Sapele local govts, there are dozens of Okpe and Itsekiri communities. Itsekiri communities in Sapele local govt include Obotie, Ugbekoko, Aworun, Enaso, Adaka, Ajojiguo, Ugbosien, UtonIyatsere, Ogunaja and many others”*.
This is a blatant demonstration of reckless expansionism by some Itsekiris. The settler equates himself to the indigenes. The Okpẹ Union demands that Itsekiri leadership call to order these Itsekiri elements who denigrate the sovereignty of the Okpẹ Nation over its territories. The case of the Itsekiri threat in Sapele should be of serious concern to all Okpẹ people.
The bogus claims by some Itsekiris to indigenous communities in Okpeland especially in the areas that were constituted into the Sapele Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve during the Colonial Era when the Okpẹ Nation was created under the Urhobo Division, led to the setting up of a Delta State Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve in 2020 by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Administration. From the published Record of Proceedings of the Commission of Enquiry, the claims by the Itsekiris of Abigborodo, Obotie and others to indigenous communities in Okpẹ land were rubbished. In the turn of the New Year, the Okpẹ Union shall comprehensively bring out the contents of those revealing proceedings to the public so that once and for all, the false claims of these impostors who know the Itsekiri Communities especially in Warri North Local Government Area they hail from would be in the public domain. For the records, the Itsekiris and the Okpẹs do not have any land boundaries. The territorial boundary between Okpẹ land and Itsekiriland is the stretch of the Hole in the Wall Creek, the tributary that extends into between Sapele and Abigborodo (boundary between Sapele LGA and Warri North LGA)over which the Emmanuel Uduaghan Administration constructed a bridge, to Obotie-Ugbukurusu, to Ikeresan, to Elume River, to Erogho water side, and finally to the water boundary between Ughoton and Omadino (the boundary between Okpe LGA and Warri South LGA) over which the James Ibori Administration constructed the Ughoton-Omadino Bridge.
We call on the Okpẹ Traditional Council and political leaders, especially the chairmen of the Sapele Local Government Council (LGC) and the Okpẹ Local Government Council (LGC) and our representatives in the Delta State House of Assembly to stand up to their responsibilities as the defenders of Okpẹ sovereignty. We simultaneously call on Okpẹ political leaders, specifically Okakuro Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okakuro Senator Ede Dafinone, Hon. Ben Etanabene, Ekakuro James Augoye and Perkins Umukoro to begin to articulate and promote Okpẹ interests in their respective portfolios. To start with, the appellation” Sapele Okpẹ Community” should be changed. It has no conceptual difference with the other ethnic communities in Sapele, for instance, the Sapele Ndigbo Community, the Sapele Yoruba Community, the Sapele Itsekiri Community, etc. It is passive. A more positive name, for example, *Sapele Indigenes Association* should be considered as it connotes a definitive and positive meaning.
*PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE*
The policy of peaceful coexistence continues to define the cornerstone of Okpẹ Union’s relationship with other ethnic nationalities. However, let it be known that, by any legitimate means possible, we will strongly defend the territories of the Okpẹ Nation against intrusions by any ethnic nationality on our sovereignty. While non-Okpẹ nationals are welcome in Okpẹ villages and towns; they must not forget that they are guests and not owners of Okpẹ land. Unlike other nationalities, some elements in the Itsekiri Nation do not seem to understand this fundamental principle of residency outside their ancestral lands. Interestingly, these Itsekiri elements will not dare to claim ownership of Ajoki, Ekehuan and Ologbo in Benin Kingdom.
*2026 AND BEYOND*
We look forward to 2026 and beyond with optimism for the future of Okpẹ Nation. We shall refine our strategic approach to better position us and our 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 whichOkpẹ 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.
We shall continue to encourage the use of Okpẹ Language in worship and the translation of Church sermons using 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.
Despite the schism between the palace and Okpẹ Union, the Union appeals to the entire Okpẹ people for cooperation and unity to enhance economic development of Okpẹ Nation.
Stay tuned for further information, including NEC’s programme for the celebration of Okpẹ Union’s Founders’ (96 Years) Day on May 16, 2026.
On behalf of the Okpẹ Union I wish you and your families a Prosperous New Year, 2026.
*Prof. O. Igho Natufe,*
President General, Okpẹ Union (World Wide)
‘’The recent anti-Okpẹ Identity role of HRM Orhue l, the Orodje of Okpẹ Kingdom and some of his chiefs, is a challenge which we are destined by history to overcome for the interest of the Okpẹ Nation’’ says President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, Prof Igho Natufe.
Prof Natufe made this remark in Lagos on Thursday.
He said the union would not relent in its effort to ensure that the Okpẹ Identity project was achieved.
‘’The interference/usurpation of the role of Okpẹ Union as a registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a socio-cultural cum a pressure group has limited our effectiveness, given that much financial resources have been diverted towards our court cases with the renegade group. This role amongst others is being threatened by the traditional leaders maybe for political reasons, as they now want to dictate who emerge the leaders of the Union’’.
In a New Year address to the public, Natufe observed that court cases had posed a cog in the wheel of progress of the union.
‘’Another major activity of the year 2025 is the progress recorded in ongoing court cases, which have continued to yield positive outcomes for the Union. This reflects the Union’s determination and commitment to protecting its interests through legal intervention. We shall continue our legal actions against the contemnors as a just and legal avenue to the restoration of democracy and good governance in Okpẹ Nation’’.
He told Nigerians to have a change of attitude in dealing with matters affecting the Okpe people.
‘’During the preceding year, the Union was compelled by several factors to address pressing issues affecting the Okpẹ people in the media. Some of these media engagements clarified deliberate distortion of facts regarding Okpẹ Identity. The Union was very active in the media space, either in the social media or mainstream media. These media visibility has positioned the Okpẹ Union as a strategic group among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria capable of championing and protecting the collective interests of the people at home and in the Diaspora’’.
The president general also spoke on the large turn-out during the 95th anniversary of the Okpe Union in Lagos.
‘’2025 has been a landmark year for the Okpẹ Nation. One defined by unity, resilience, and purposeful remembrance. Most notably, we proudly commemorated the 95th Anniversary of the establishment of the Okpẹ Union on May 16, a historic milestone that honoured our roots, reaffirmed our identity, and strengthened our collective resolve as a people. Held at the registered national headquarters of the Okpẹ Union in Obalende, Lagos, the Anniversary was attended by members from all branches in Nigeria and from the Diaspora. I thank God for making it possible for me to physically attend this august celebration and to preside over it. The positive vibes at the event were electric and guided by our ancestors’’.
He applauded members across Nigeria and in the Diaspora for rendering altruistic services to the Okpẹ Union and Okpẹ Nation.
‘’In the face of endogenous and exogenous challenges and distractions, our members remained resolute. Mention must also be made of the invaluable financial and moral support we enjoyed from several Okpẹ nationals, non-members of the Union, in support of our activities since 2021’’.
Natufe expressed delight at the numerous activities of the Okpe Union throughout 2025.
‘’Okpẹ Union continues to play critical roles in both the Movement for National Reformation (MNR) and The Rebirth Group (TRG); both national organizations that are actively engaged in the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism. As a stakeholder in TRG, Okpẹ Union participated in its maiden symposium in Ibadan, in May 2024. Subsequently, in 2025, we participated in TRG Symposia on political restructuring of Nigeria, in Enugu, Gombe, and Port Harcourt, in July, October and December, respectively’’.
He said Okpẹ Union performed admirably in 2025.
‘’The Union took part in several social and community engagements, including funerals, weddings, and other important events. These representations were carried out by members of the NEC, Okpẹ Union branches and in some cases, both organs. We participated in the burial ceremonies of our brother and mentor, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Osume, an illustrious son of Okpẹ Nation and an unwavering advocate of Okpẹ Identity in March 2025. Overall, , demonstrating commitment, progress, and strong visibility across various engagements. Our branches have solidified their positions while some have engaged in initiatives geared towards the growth and promotion of Okpẹ Identity’’.
Particularly, he gave Okpe Union, South-West Region a pat on the back for encouraging the young ones to participate in Okpe cultural dances and awarding bursary to Okpẹ Students in higher educational institutions.
The former university professor of political science urged other Branches to emulate the South-West Region.
‘’We are also working on plans to open new branches of the Union in 2026’’.
The Okpe Union has advised Itsekiri leaders to honour the 1943 WACA judgement and desist from all their bogus claims on Okpẹ territories.
‘’As a nationality that prides itself as a respecter of the rule of law and court judgements, one would expect the Itsekiri Nation to honour the 1943 WACA judgement and desist from all their bogus claims on Okpẹ territories’’
The union also accused the Itsekiri leaders of renaming the sections they were allowed to reside as refugees with Itsekiri names.
‘’For example, they changed Etamua to Ogunaja”, Amua Ogodo to Aja Ogodo”, and a part of Amuokpe to Aja-Sagay”.
In a New Year Message to Okpe Nation, the union decried the blatant demonstration of reckless expansionism by some Itsekiris.
‘’The settler equates himself to the indigenes. The Okpẹ Union demands that Itsekiri leadership call to order these Itsekiri elements who denigrate the sovereignty of the Okpẹ Nation over its territories. The case of the Itsekiri threat in Sapele should be of serious concern to all Okpẹ people’’.
The message presented by President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, Prof Igho Natufe said the claims by the Itsekiris of Abigborodo, Obotie and others to indigenous communities in Okpẹ land were rubbished by the Delta State Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve in 2020.
‘’The bogus claims by some Itsekiris to indigenous communities in Okpeland especially in the areas that were constituted into the Sapele Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve during the Colonial Era when the Okpẹ Nation was created under the Urhobo Division, led to the setting up of a Delta State Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Okpẹ Sobo Forest Reserve in 2020 by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Administration. From the published Record of Proceedings of the Commission of Enquiry, the claims by the Itsekiris of Abigborodo, Obotie and others to indigenous communities in Okpẹ land were rubbished’’
According to the Union, the Itsekiris and the Okpẹs do not have any land boundaries.
‘’The territorial boundary between Okpẹ land and Itsekiriland is the stretch of the Hole in the Wall Creek, the tributary that extends into between Sapele and Abigborodo (boundary between Sapele LGA and Warri North LGA)over which the Emmanuel Uduaghan Administration constructed a bridge, to Obotie-Ugbukurusu, to Ikeresan, to Elume River, to Erogho water side, and finally to the water boundary between Ughoton and Omadino (the boundary between Okpe LGA and Warri South LGA) over which the James Ibori Administration constructed the Ughoton-Omadino Bridge’’.
The Union called on the Okpẹ Traditional Council and political leaders, especially the chairmen of the Sapele Local Government Council (LGC) and the Okpẹ Local Government Council (LGC) and representatives in the Delta State House of Assembly to stand up to their responsibilities as the defenders of Okpẹ sovereignty.
‘’The menace by some Itsekiris is more troubling to the Okpẹ Nation. Recalling that we opened our doors to welcome Itsekiri fleeing from their civil war and offered them shelter, it now seems that our hospitality has become a curse; just as the Hausas in the north and indigenous nationalities in central Nigeria are experiencing with the Fulanis. The Itsekiri civil war, known as the “Nana war” of 1894 forced scores of Itsekiris to flee their lands and ”ran for refuge to Sapele where they were granted refuge by the Okpẹ people”, the owners of Sapele. This was the judgement of the West African Court of Appeal (WACA), Holden at Lagos, Nigeria, on April 30th 1943, before their Honours: Sir Donald Kingdon, Chief Justice of Nigeria – President; Sir Philip Bertis Petrides, Chief Justice, Gold Coast (now Ghana), and George Graham Paul, Chief Justice, Sierra Leone’’.
It urged Okpẹ political leaders, specifically Okakuro Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okakuro Senator Ede Dafinone, Hon. Ben Etanabene, Ekakuro James Augoye and Perkins Umukoro to begin to articulate and promote Okpẹ interests in their respective portfolios.
‘’The policy of peaceful coexistence continues to define the cornerstone of Okpẹ Union’s relationship with other ethnic nationalities. However, let it be known that, by any legitimate means possible, we will strongly defend the territories of the Okpẹ Nation against intrusions by any ethnic nationality on our sovereignty. While non-Okpẹ nationals are welcome in Okpẹ villages and towns; they must not forget that they are guests and not owners of Okpẹ land. Unlike other nationalities, some elements in the Itsekiri Nation do not seem to understand this fundamental principle of residency outside their ancestral lands. Interestingly, these Itsekiri elements will not dare to claim ownership of Ajoki, Ekehuan and Ologbo in the Benin Kingdom’’.
The union said the appellation” Sapele Okpẹ Community” should be changed.
‘’It has no conceptual difference with the other ethnic communities in Sapele, for instance, the Sapele Ndigbo Community, the Sapele Yoruba Community, the Sapele Itsekiri Community, etc. It is passive. A more positive name, for example, Sapele Indigenes Association should be considered as it connotes a definitive and positive meaning’’.
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’’.
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.