Customs Zone C, Honours (Retd) ACG Paschal Chibuoke And Five (Retd) Comptrollers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone C, has honoured (Retd) Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Pascal Chibuoke  and five other  retired Comptrollers at a send-forth ceremony held at the Zonal Headquarters in  Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

This was contained in a press release issued, signed and made available to our media platform on Friday October 16,by the Zonal Public Relations officer,  Aondoakura Herbert Dzungwenen a superintendent of customs. 

The statement noted that the six senior officers  who retired after completing their 35 years of meritorious service to the nation were honoured on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at a send- Forth party, with the theme “Celebrating Distinguished Service, Honouring Legacy, Inspiring Continuity.”

The event, according to the statement, brought together officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, representatives of sister security agencies, maritime stakeholders and other dignitaries to celebrate the retirees’ distinguished careers and contributions to national development.

In her welcome remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area 1, Command Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, Ph.D, described the ceremony as an opportunity to recognise distinguished careers, appreciate invaluable contributions and celebrate the leadership and sacrifices of officers who had dedicated significant years of their lives to national service.

She particularly commended (Retd) ACG Pascal Chibuoke  for his contributions to the Service, especially during his tenure as Zonal Coordinator, Zone C, even as she highlighted  his leadership, sense of responsibility and commitment to duty.

She however, encouraged the retirees to remain available as mentors and worthy ambassadors of the

Service, while wishing them a fulfilled retirement years.

In her goodwill message, Comptroller Administration Zone C, Headquarters Comptroller Grace Edebeatu, congratulated the six celebrants on the successful completion of their 35 year career.

The retirees, include, ACG Pascal Chibuoke, Comptroller Adeyinka Favour Bodunde, Comptroller Blessing Ihenacho, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, Comptroller Oluremi Mobolaji Omisore and Comptroller Judith Kanu.

She noted that their contributions extended beyond customs enforcement and border protection to include institutional development, mentorship and effective leadership.

She urged serving officers to emulate the retirees by upholding discipline, integrity, professionalism and dedication, stressing that retirement marked  a new chapter in which, according to her, experience became  wisdom and achievements inspired  future generations.

In his valedictory speech,  ACG Pascal Chibuoke (Retd), represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs Kurutsi Obadiah expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the grace, strength and wisdom to serve the nation through the Nigeria Customs Service.

Reflecting on his career, he described his journey as memorable and enriched by challenges, lessons, achievements and valuable relationships even as he sincerely appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Ph.D and his  management team, colleagues, and all officers and men  of the service for their support, cooperation, encouragement and the opportunity to serve.

Expressing  pride and satisfaction as he bowed  out of active service, he therefore urged succeeding officers to uphold discipline, integrity, professionalism and dedication to duty even as he concluded by praying for God's continued blessings upon the Nigeria Customs Service and greater success for the institution and the nation at large.

In her closing remarks, Deputy Comptroller Chinwe Onyesoro expressed appreciation to the retirees for their dedication, sacrifices, leadership and invaluable contributions to the Service.

She commended the organizers and stakeholders for their support and cooperation, noting that the level of attendance reflected the cordial relationship between the NCS and its partners while encouraging the retirees to embrace the opportunities of retirement and continue to contribute to the society through mentorship, wisdom and counselling

She also reminded serving officers that although official positions would one day come to an end, integrity, exemplary leadership and the impact of dedicated service endured.

There were goodwill messages and prayers for their sound health, peace of mind, family happiness, prosperity and fulfilling years ahead.

The statement reiterated that the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone C, reaffirmed its appreciation for the

six distinguished officers, expressing confidence that their wealth of experience would continue to benefit the Service and the nation through mentorship and continued engagement.

The event served as a befitting tribute to their legacies and a reminder to serving officers to sustain the values of professionalism, discipline, integrity and commitment to national development.

By Bon Peters,

 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

 

Orette Drags INEC to Court

Fresh storm is presently gathering in Delta South as Nigerian-American Family Medicine Physician and politician, Dr. Austin Orette, appears set for battle with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Orette is in court over his victory of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election conducted on the 22nd day of May, 2026, submission of his name to INEC by the ADC and omission of his name from the final list of candidates for the Delta South Senatorial District Election published on the 12th day of September, 2026.

INEC and ADC are the first and second defendants in the case respectively.

In a motion on notice brought pursuant to sections 4. 6 (16) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Sections 29 (1) and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026; Order 3 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019’ Rule 4 of the Federal High Court ( Pre-Election Practice Directions, 2026 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Abuja by Orette’s (plaintiff) counsel, James Olotu, he is praying the court for “an order directing INEC to list him as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Delta South Senatorial District Election scheduled to hold on January 16, 2027 or any other date’’

The reformer and community advocate alleged that the act of omission by INEC did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“The Plaintiff is seeking a declaration that having regard to the provision of Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the plaintiff having emerged as the winner of the primary election conducted by the ADC on the 22nd day of May, 2026 for the nomination of the candidate for the Delta South Senatorial District automatically became the candidate of ADC for the Delta South Senatorial District Election scheduled to hold on the 16th of January, 2027.”

Dedicated to healing people and building a better Nigeria, Orette is seeking a declaration that having regard to the fact that INEC received from ADC on the 14th day of July, 2026 a letter communicating and submitting his name as the ADC candidate for the Delta South Senatorial District Election, INEC cannot lawfully omit his name from the final list of candidates for the Delta South Senatorial District Election published on the 12th day of September, 2026.

Orette urged the Federal High Court to declare unlawful, null and void the publication on the 12th day of September, 2026 of the final list of candidates for the Delta South Senatorial District Election omitting his name as the ADC candidate.   

Particularly, Orette wants the Federal High Court, Abuja to determine whether having regard to the provisions of Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2026, the Plaintiff, having emerged as the winner of the primary election conducted by the 2nd Defendant on the 22nd day of May, 2026 for the nomination of its candidate for the Delta South Senatorial District Election scheduled to hold on the 16th of January, 2027.

“Whether having regard to the fact that the 1st Defendant received from the Second Defendant on the 14th day of July, 2026 a letter communicating and submitting the name of the Plaintiff as the 2nd Defendant’s candidate for the Delta South Senatorial Election, the 1st Defendant can lawfully omit the name of the Plaintiff from the final list of candidates for the Delta South Senatorial District Election published by the 1st Defendant on the 12th day of September, 2026”

“Whether, the publication by the 1st Defendant on the 12th day of September, 2026 of the final list of candidates for the Delta South Senatorial District Election omitting the name of the Plaintiff as the candidate of the 2nd Defendant, notwithstanding the Plaintiff’s emergence as the winner of the 2nd Defendant’s primary election conducted on the 22nd day of May, 2026 and the subsequent submission of his name to the 1st Defendant by the 2nd Defendant is not unlawful, null and void.”

 

Credit: Henry Ovie

 

Kalabari Unites for Historic Coronation of Amanyanabo of the Source, As 16-Unit Committee Takes Charge

 .....Dabaye Amakiri Charges Members to Showcase Best of Kalabari Culture

The Amanyanabo of the Source, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, has inaugurated a 16-unit Coronation Central Planning Committee to coordinate preparations for his forthcoming Se Diye and Coronation ceremonies, slated for December 19, 2026.

The Amanyanabo inaugurated the committee on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at his Ipokuma residence in Degema Consulate, where he charged members to work collectively towards delivering a coronation that would reflect the rich cultural heritage, traditions and dignity of the Kalabari people.

The event brought together prominent Kalabari personalities, traditional stakeholders, professionals and other members of the committee, who have been assigned responsibilities covering various aspects of the coronation programme.

Da Amakiri Tubo disclosed that the committee was constituted to ensure effective planning and coordination of the various activities associated with the coronation.

Chief Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill is the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, while Chief Dr. David T. Briggs and Chief Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji serve as Co-Chairmen.

Dr. Emi Iyalla is the Secretary, with Alabo Daerefa-a Christopher Braide serving as Assistant Secretary.

A statement signed and made available to news platforms by Alabo Daerefa-a Christopher

Braide Spokesman & Chief Press Secretary to the Amanyanabo of the Source (Elem Kalabari, Torusaramapiri).noted that the committee will coordinate activities across the three principal locations of Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama, with specialized units assigned specific responsibilities for the successful execution of the programme.

The units include Media and Publicity; Culture and Coronation; Transport and Logistics; External Relations; Contact and Mobilization; Venue and Catering; Protocol and Access Control; Security; Accommodation; Finance; Souvenirs; Secretariat and Documentation; Boat Regatta; Kalabari Dancing; Environment and Works; and Medical Services.

A Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has also been constituted to complement the work of the Central Planning Committee.

The Media and Publicity Unit is chaired by Chief Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, with Ib Dakoru as Vice Chairman. Members are Mustapha Wakama, Humphrey Onyanabo, Alabo Daerefa-a Braide, Isokariari Otonye Bob-Manuel, Alabo Wabiye Idoniboye-obu and Melford.

The Culture and Coronation Unit is chaired by Chief Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, with Chief Kingsley Kio Young-Jack as Secretary. Se Alabo Prefaa Otaji and Se Alabo Prince Dateme are members.

Chief Dr. David T. Briggs chairs the Transport and Logistics Unit, with Dennis Braide as Secretary and Emmanuel Horsfall and Opunabo Princewill as members.

The External Relations Unit is chaired by Pope Tarsoo Linus, with Alhaji Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade (Sadauki Bauchi), Gary and Nasiru Danu as members.

Alhaji Abdulrahman Ibrahim Sade (Sadauki Bauchi) chairs the Contact and Mobilization Unit, with Pope Tarsoo Linus as Vice Chairman. Other members are Humphrey Onyanabo, Flora, Alabo Onimim Batubo, Hassan Mohammed Ndanusa, Yerima Shettima, Igo Aguma and Henry Wordu.

The Venue and Catering Unit has Boma assigned to Elem Kalabari and Buguma, Flora to Obuama and Degema, alongside Alabo Lawrence Danagogo.

Dr. Dawari George chairs the Protocol and Access Control Unit, with Barrister Joseph Charles Brown, Se Alabo Omonaa Amachree, Se Alabo Amakiri Flag Amachree, Dennis Braide and Orusoso Don Pedro as members.

The Security Unit is chaired by Alabo CP. (Rtd.) Dr. Selem Vincent Amachree, Esq., with Obiobraa

George ( Holy Mallam), HRH Otonye Williams (Ododo), Alabo Ibim Miame, Tomitamunoa Erekosima (Obio Akpor), Banimibo-ofori Harry, and the 3 Kalabari LGA Chairmen as members.

Dr. Emi Iyalla chairs Accommodation, with Hajiya Halima and Alhaji Orlu Onyekachi (Haram De Sweet) as members.

The Finance Unit is chaired by Stanley West, with Dr. Emi Iyalla as member, while Boma chairs the Souvenirs Unit, assisted by Crowther and Flora.

Prince Dateme chairs the Secretariat and Documentation Unit, with Humphrey Onyanabo as Co-Chairman and Isokariari Otonye Bob-Manuel as Secretary.

Chief Lucky Brown chairs the Boat Regatta Unit. Members are Alabo Daogigo Amachree, Alabo Ikien Okorosa, Dr. Adikibia Boyle, Opunabo Princewill, Sokeipriye Numbere, Endurance Henry and Alabo Adikiba Zeinas.

Sokeipriye Numbere chairs the Kalabari Dancing Unit, with Ibiso George as member.

The Environment and Works Unit is chaired by Songo Festus LongJohn (Adekunle), with Adokiye Princewill, Obelema Isokariari and Biokpomabo Princewill as members.

Dr. Opubo Idoniboye-obu chairs the Medical Services Unit, with Alabo Dr. Ebi Robinson as member.

The Local Organizing Committee is headed by Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa) as Chairman, with Alabo JackLloyd Thomas as Vice Chairman and Alabo Wabiye Idoniboye-obu as Secretary.

Giving the terms of reference for the 16-Unit Committee, the Central Planning Committee has established clear guidelines to ensure effective coordination, accountability and collaboration among the various units.

Each unit, as constituted, comprises a Chairman, Secretary and members, with the Chairman responsible for the effective performance of the unit.

All units are to report directly to the Central Planning Committee, which in turn reports to the Palace of the Amanyanabo of the Source, Dabaye Amakiri I.

Each unit is expected to submit its detailed work plan and budget within seven days of its appointment for review and approval by the Central Planning Committee.

No unit is to incur expenditure or make any financial commitment without prior written approval of the Central Planning Committee.

The units are also required to submit weekly progress reports to the Central Planning Committee.

The committee further directed that all units should collaborate where their responsibilities overlap to ensure harmony and avoid duplication, particularly in activities involving Elem Kalabari, Buguma and Obuama.

 

 

 

Nigeria Customs Service ‌‌‍Others Renew commitment on Blue Economy Agenda

By Bon Peters

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it would continue to sustain efforts towards blocking revenue leakages while enhancing trade facilitation at Nigerian ports.

Comptroller Mohammed Aliyu Alkali, Customs Area Controller, Onne, Area11 Customs Command Rivers state, stated this Wednesday in Port Harcourt the Rivers state Capital at a seminar to commemorate the 2026 World Maritime Day organized by Business and Maritime Writers Association of Nigeria (BUMWAN).

With the theme, “Nigerian ports and Bonded Terminals,  Impacts of Nigeria Customs Service and stakeholders in the Blue Economy, the seminar examined ways of advancing the Blue Economy agenda of the Federal Government.

Represented by Asst. Comptroller Nasir Lirwan, Aliyu said that the NCS has remained critical to the success and growth of the Blue Economy especially, considering its mandate in the non-oil revenue generation sector of the country.

According to him, the Onne command has also domesticated various strategies aimed at promoting effective risk management and stakeholders’ engagements.

The measure he emphasized also largely contributed to effective port operations.

Highlighting on the importance of Bonded Terminals on cargo operation, Alkali identified Bonded Terminals as backbones of the Blue Economy.

“Six years ago, there were only about six operational Bonded Terminals at the Onne command but presently due to the business friendly policies of the Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, PhD over 20 operational Bonded Terminals have been created here in Onne.

He added “This indeed indicates that Bonded Terminals are no longer alternatives but indispensable partners in a seamless cargo clearance and Blue Economy agenda.

“Bonded Terminals have become critical for ports decongestion, constant cargo delivery, employment generation and enhanced revenue collection,” he said.

Alkali, also commended BUWAN for timely and effective reportage of the Ports and Bonded Terminals saying the effort had significantly strengthened public awareness.

Also speaking, Dr. Caleb Ajagba, Chief-of-staff, Abia State Government House urged the NCS to go beyond revenue collection, and step up actions towards strengthening its role in trade facilitation.

Represented  by chief Nwaka Inem, Special Adviser to Abia state Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry Ajagba lamented impacts of poor cargo operations on the end user.

“Delays from overstretched bureaucratic bottlenecks, multiple charges, congestion and uncertainties in cargo clearance has continued to increase cost of doing business which in turn affects the ordinary Nigerian consumer.

“Your objective should be geared towards creating an efficient and digitalized system which promotes timeliness for legitimate trade and prompt termination of illegal and non complaint transactions,” he said.

Ajagba also pledged readiness of the Alex Otti led administration to strengthen partnerships with the NCS and other critical stakeholders with a view to promoting trans-border trade in the state.

“Abia State is open for collaboration and the Alex Otti led administration is consistently focused on improving infrastructure, ease of doing business, industrialization and investment promotion,” he added

Similarly, Mr. Matthias Odo, Commander, NDLEA, Onne port command, also pledged agency’s commitment to a drug-free society and called for collaboration from stakeholders and well meaning Nigerians.

Represented by his Deputy DC Kingsley Effiong, Odo emphasized that intelligence gathering was crucial for efficient local and trans-boarder drug tracking operations.

“I want you to understand that no business can thrive in an environment that is not drug-free, that is why we must continue dismantling drug cartels,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Mr. Peter Ihejirika, BUMWAN President, thanked participants and stakeholders for further enlightening the public on innovations geared towards improving ports operations.

lhejirika on behalf of the group promised to deepen media partnership with stakeholders and ports operators while also calling for their cooperation.

“Journalists are your friends, we are not spies, avail us information whenever we need them as failure to do so may give room for speculations,” he said.

Operators of bonded terminals, NAFDAC and other stakeholders also attended the seminar.

All set for 20th Coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom

 Programme of events for the 20th Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom

 

Friday, November 13, 2026

Prayer to be led by Okpe Christian Assembly

Venue: Udogun Hall, Orerokpe

Time: 11:00 am

 

Press Briefing by Okakuro Mike Affe, JP, The Unu-Okpe of Okpe Kingdom

Venue: Dafinone Hall, Orodje Palace, Orerokpe

Time: 2:00 pm

 

Saturday, November 14, 2026

His Royal Majesty’s Golf Tournament

Venue: Sapele Athletes Club, Sapele

Time: 8:30 am

Prize/Awards

Time: 3.30pm

 

Monday, November 16, 2026

Chieftaincy seminar for would-be Ekakuro and Ehonvwore

Venue: Dafinone Hall, Orodje Palace, Orerokpe

Time: 11:00 am

 

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Command Performance

Titled: The Yoke

Venue: Udogun Hall, Orerokpe

Time: 11:00 am

 

Awards to distinguished Okpe sons and daughters

Venue: Udogun Hall, Orerokpe

Time: 3:00pm

 

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Football competition finals

Venue: Sapele Township Stadium

Time 11:00 am

 

Float/cultural displays by the 13 districts

Venue: Sapele Township Stadium

 

Thursday, November 19, 2026

Conferment of chieftaincy titles

Venue: Udogun Hall, Orerokpe

Time: 10:00am

 

Friday, November 20, 2026

Conferment of chieftaincy titles

Venue: Udogun Hall, Orerokpe

Time: 10:00am

 

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Grand Finale

Venue: Orodje Palace Pavilion, Orerokpe

Time: 11:00 am

 

Sunday, November 22, 2026

Thanksgiving

Venue: St William Catholic Church, Orerokpe

Time:11:00 am

 

Tuesday, November 24, 2026

Homage by newly conferred Ekakuro and Ehonvwore

 

Wednesday, November 25, 2026

Homage by the four ruling houses and others

Planning Committe

 

 

Compt Balogun Bows Out At FOU Zone C, as Acting Comptroller Dadaniya Takes Over

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone 'C' Owerri, has witnessed a change of batton as a result of the retirement of Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun (Retd) who has equally handed over the mantle of leadership to the newly appointed acting Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Farouk Nadaniya.

 

This was contained in a press release issued, signed and made available Tuesday, to our media platform by the Command's Public Relations officer Chief Superintendent of Customs 

R NCHE in Owerri, the Imo state Capital.

 

 

The statement noted that the handing-over ceremony took place at the unit's Headquarters on Friday, 25th September 2026, in Owerri, Imo State as the newly appointed Acting Comptroller was received by the officers and men of the unit, which was followed by an introduction of the unit heads. 

 

In his address, the retired Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun thanked the officers and men of the unit for their unalloyed support throughout his tenure stating that "retirement awaits every officer of the service" even as he further advised that officers should prepare for their retirement as soon as they joined the service.

 

He charged officers to be diligent in their various areas of duty, as he mentioned numerous achievements recorded during his tenure which he attributed to teamwork while urging the officers of the unit to extend their unwavering support to the new acting comptroller.

 

Speaking while taking over, the Acting Comptroller, Farouk Nadaniya praised Allah, the beneficent, the most merciful, for His infinite grace and guidance to assume what he described as an important responsibility.

 

He also expressed his profound gratitude to the comptroller-general of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD and his management team for finding him worthy of the responsibility to serve in that capacity.

 

The new acting Comptroller maintained that his assumption of office was not merely a change of leadership, but a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability.

 

He further portrayed the strategic importance of federal operations unit (FOU) ‘C’ and its critical role in advancing the mandate of the service through effective anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trades and national security in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act. 2023.

 

 Acting comptroller Nadaniya charged officers to remain firm, professional and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities, even as he commended the leadership of the unit for its achievements so far, which he said did not happen by chance but through the result of sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty of his predecessor, (Retd) Comptroller BA Balogun and officers who have contributed to the progress of the unit.

 

 He encouraged the patrol team leaders to remain disciplined, professional, vigilant and accountable while seeking their maximum co-operation and support on the implementation of the strategic vision of the Comptroller General of Customs particularly in the areas of modernization, efficiency, compliance and improved customs procedures.

 

Bon Peters,

in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

 

Traditional Rulership and Politics: Neutrality or Partisanship

By Prof Igho Natufe

 

 

As has been argued elsewhere, traditional rulership is incongruous with a republican political system.

 

The search for a role for traditional rulers in the governance of Nigeria has been elusive, notwithstanding the promises of each succeeding government – civilian and military – to carve a role for them in the Constitution. Towards this end, the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida established a Political Bureau to inter alia, “review Nigeria’s political history and identify the basic problems which have led to our failure in the past and suggest ways of resolving and coping with these problems.”

 

The Political Bureau, chaired by S. J. Cookey, included some prominent academics as members.

 

It is ironic that traditional rulers, who held exclusive powers in their respective kingdoms before the intrusion of British colonial rule, would now be pleading for a role in post-colonial Nigeria. Even under British rule, their role had significantly diminished from that of their imperious past. They found themselves as tools of the British indirect rule system. Their “subjects”, the anti-colonial nationalists gradually began to doubt the relevance of their role.

 

As noted by Obafemi Awolowo: “There is a mutual distrust verging on antagonism between the educated few and the Chiefs in Nigeria. The latter fear that the former are out to oust them from their privileged positions.” This feeling of “mutual distrust” continues to underline the relations between traditional rulers and Nigerian political leaders. Even when a role was carved for them in the various houses of chiefs in the respective regions in 1954-January 1966, they were at the mercy of politicians who decided when and how to dispose of them as dictated by political expediency. This trend has continued in the 4th Republic.

 

The Political Bureau recognized the significance of traditional rulership in Nigeria’s political system, a view which was accepted by the Ibrahim Babangida military Government, 

 

But it proposed contending options vis-à-vis traditional rulership that need to be grappled with. The Political Bureau submitted the following options:- i. ”outright abolition of the institution”: ii “co-optation in government”; iii “democratization to conform with process of modern government”; iv “maintenance of status quo”; and v “the determination of their relevance and future by the people.”

 

It was the view of the Political Bureau that “traditional rulers should have no specific role to play in government beyond the local government level, where they have relevance.” The Political Bureau “also agreed that it is a misnomer, considering the scope and character of the contemporary Nigerian state to call them traditional ‘rulers’”.

 

Therefore, the Political Bureau reasoned that it “will make no sense to install in the political system, people whose primary qualifications is ascribed to status at a time when the people are demanding a truly democratic polity.”

 

Even though the Political Bureau recommended that “traditional rulers should have no specific role to play in government beyond the local government level, where they have relevance”, the concluding section of its recommendations is more telling when it declared: “They possess no special qualities to enable them to be used in enriching the political system or instilling moral rectitude in public life.”

 

This was a very serious indictment of traditional rulers. To put it bluntly, as opined by the Political Bureau, traditional rulers are of no use to Nigeria’s political system. What are the implications of “co-optation in government”? How do you “democratize” traditional rulers to make them “conform to the process of modern government”? What processes are there for the “people” to determine the “relevance and future” of traditional rulers? These vital gaps in the work of the Political Bureau need to be addressed by Nigerians as they contemplate a role for their traditional rulers. 

 

On September 10, 2026, the Forum of Urhobo Traditional Rulers (Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo) adopted Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori “as the sole candidate of the Urhobo Nation for the 2027 governorship election”. If the “monarchs remained strictly apolitical”, as claimed by HRM Dr. Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhie I, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom and Spokesman of the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, their endorsement of “Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, as the sole candidate of the Urhobo Nation for the 2027 governorship election” and their subsequent decree that “no other Urhobo governorship aspirant will be received or given royal blessings by traditional rulers in Urhobo land” is an unashamed mockery of the concept of apolitical.

 

In his essay entitled “If Nigeria is not divided, we will never have any sense in the North”, Mohammed Bello Doka had this to say about traditional rulers. “The traditional rulers are glorified cultural dancers with big turbans and zero real authority”. He continued: “The traditional rulers … even though powerless, they are led by greed. They have sold their titles & respect for cash & their influence on government appointments. The common man no longer bows to them. They have lost respect because they never earned it through service”. This characterization of traditional rulers can be said to apply to scores of traditional rulers in Southern Nigeria, including Delta State.

 

In January 2026, Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Oborevwori gifted “60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers” to traditional rulers in Delta State. He referred to the traditional rulers as “tools of service”, emphasizing that traditional rulers are “vital intermediaries between government and the people at the grassroots”. There is a conceptual congruity between Governor Oborevwori’s categorization of traditional rulers as “tools of service” and their status as tools of the British indirect rule system   

 

In appreciation of the gifts, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue l, “assured the governor of the traditional institution’s unwavering support for his administration”.

 

In underlining the “assurance” of the traditional rulers’ “unwavering support for” Governor Oborevwori, as stated by HRM Orhue l, the “tools of service” responded accordingly at their gathering at the Palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom. Is there any correlation between the “gifts of 65 brand new SUVs to the traditional rulers” in January 2026 and the declaration of the Urhobo Kings in September 2026? Is this a mere coincidence or a quid pro quo?

 

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State recently “advised traditional rulers to steer clear of politics and embrace all political actors without bias, warning that any of them found engaging in politics would be treated as a politician”.

 

This warning applies to traditional rulers across Nigeria, including Delta State.

 

Thus, the Urhobo Traditional Rulers are urged to reverse their ill-advised “declaration” in order to protect the sanctity of their respective thrones. This “declaration” has brought grave disrepute to their respective thrones and dishonour to their HRM titles. Otherwise, they should be prepared to be “treated as politicians” with all the consequences attached to electioneering campaigns.

 

Of particular concern to Okpe Union, the mouth-piece of the Okpe Nation is the role of our revered Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue l, in the gathering of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers. By doing so, he has wrongly subsumed Okpe ethnicity under an Urhobo appellation, which is diametrically opposed to historical facts as well as to his own stated position affirming Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. It is instructive to note the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom’s Keynote Address at the 3rd AGM of the Okpe Union of North America where he succinctly declared:

 

“Okpe is a unique ethnic nationality. It has distinctive roots in ancient history, tradition, culture, customs and language.”

 

He added: “Our people are rooted in migration from the Bini Kingdom. This historical experience is similar to most other ethnic nationalities of the Western Niger Delta. Of all these nationalities however, Okpe History, language, tradition, and culture are closer to those of Bini which form part of the Edo group of languages.”

 

Furthermore, a study by Udogun Okpe, the supreme organ for the traditional administration of the Okpe Kingdom, stated emphatically that “Okpe is indubitably known to be a distinct and autonomous Kingdom, an ethnic entity from its beginning. The people and their language are distinct and are named after their progenitor, Okpe, whose four sons founded the present day Okpe Kingdom”.

 

At a reception welcoming the First Lady, Senator Mrs. Remi Tinubu in Asaba, Delta State in late March 2025, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Orhue l, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, declared that “come 2027, we Deltans will vote for President Tinubu”. This was not the precursor of political misadventure by Delta State’s traditional rulers. During the campaign for the 2023 national elections, for example, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom’s renegade faction of the Okpe Union urged Okpe nationals to vote for “all” candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This interference of the Palace in partisan politics was designed to scuttle the chances of other Okpe nationals in rival political parties: for example, Okakuro Ede Dafinone (of the All Progressive Congress –APC) and Barr. Ben Etanabene (of the Labour Party – LP), who won their elections to the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, despite the intrusion of the Palace.

 

A throne that campaigns for any political party or candidate automatically betrays the rest of the citizens of that given nationality. By so doing, the traditional ruler transforms his palace into a campaign headquarters for the said political party or candidate, a transformation which vitiates the sanctity of the throne. This is injurious to the reputation of the throne as the traditional ruler becomes a messenger, an errand man of the government. Prestige is lost, and the reputation of the kingdom is compromised.

 

No traditional ruler, including our Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, is in a position to assure political parties on how Deltans and Okpe nationals will vote in any election. We are in a democratic polity, and not in a dictatorial or an absolute monarchical system. Traditional rulers must stay out of politics or disrobe themselves from their kingships and join political parties of their choices. It is disingenuous of them to hide behind the sanctuary of their palaces and engage in partisan politics under a dubious claim of being “apolitical”. Deltans, including Okpe nationals, will vote their conscience and discard the diktat of traditional rulers. We call on Okpe nationals to vote for candidates of their choice like they did in 2023. The Will of the People must prevail over the dictatorial decree of any traditional ruler.

 

Prof. O. Igho Natufe, President General Of Okpe Union (Worldwide), Writes From Lagos