Diabolical Plot, Okpe Identity, Ancestry and Language

By Prof. O. Igho Natufe,

Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin and

Barrister Victor Oruno

 

On November 5, 2025, an undated video of HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, appeared on several Okpe platforms, as well as on some non-Okpe platforms.

 

In the video, Orhue l categorically declared that “Okpe is a dialect of the Urhobo” and therefore not a distinct ethnic nationality. This declaration injected another level of schism between the Okpe Union and HRM Orhue l.

 

The Okpe Union  considers the declaration a falsity by a Monarch who is supposed to know the truth.

 

Coincidentally, but not surprising, HRM Orhue l directed Okakuro O. P. Biadoyo, the Secretary of Udogun Okpe/Okpe Traditional Council to send the names of 20 Okpe nationals to the Chairman of the Urhobo Progress Union Electoral Committee as delegates “to vote in the  National Council Election of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU)”.

 

At its meeting on November 15, 2025, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union (Worldwide) exhaustively discussed the Orodje’s declaration.  Relying on historical facts in debunking the grave errors in the Orodje’s declaration, the union provided the evolution of the Orodje’s disturbing flip-flop of policy pronouncements; a flip-flop which falsifies Okpe history. 

 

There were three main migratory waves from Benin Kingdom to the present territory of Delta Central Senatorial District in the Ogiso period of Benin Monarchy.

 

The first was in the 1170s under the reign of the 1st Oba of Benin, Oba Oronmiyan (1170 – 1200 AD) that saw the settlement of a group known as “Usobo” (Urhobo) in Ughelli and other villages. The second wave was the last Usobo migration that settled in contemporary Abraka in the 1370s, under the reign of the 10th Oba of Benin, Oba Ogbeka (1370 – 1400 AD).

 

The migration of Okpe from Benin Kingdom occurred during the reign of the 16th Oba of Benin, Oba Ozolua (1483 – 1504 AD). Oba Ozolua conquered several territories, including Ijebu Ode, Ondo, and towns in contemporary Edo State. For his unprecedented military conquests in Benin history, he earned the appellation “Ozolua, n’ ibaromi” meaning “Ozolua the Conqueror”. He had several sons, including Prince Eze of Aboh, and Prince Igboze that migrated to contemporary Delta Central Senatorial District in 1550, and whose son, Prince Okpe had four princely sons: Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi. They resided individually and collectively in several villages, moving from Olomu to Okperikpere (Okpe Isoko) and through contemporary Ozoro en-route to Orerokpe.

 

It is instructive to note that, when the Four Princely Brothers, our forefathers founded the Okpe Kingdom with its headquarters in Orerokpe, it was established as an independent ethnic nationality and not as a clan or an appendage of any other ethnic nationality.

 

This historical fact underlines the distinct ethnic nationality of the Okpe of Delta State which was extinguished by the British Colonial Office. 

 

For purely its administrative convenience, the British Colonial Office fused diverse ethnic nationalities into one. This British policy gave rise to the falsity of classifying Okpe as a clan of Urhobo. Most contemporary Okpe were born and raised in this falsity.

 

According to R. E. Bradbury, a renowned British scholar, (The Benin Kingdom and the Edo-Speaking Peoples of South-Western Nigeria, 1970, p.128) the classification of Okpe among the Urhobo was influenced by geographic contiguity and the expediency of British colonial administration “rather than a linguistic basis.” He concluded that “Okpe is …closer to the Edo of the Benin Kingdom than are to the Urhobo”. In the 1930s the Okpe was placed in “Western Urhobo” while the Isoko was in “Eastern Urhobo.”  By administering the Okpe under the Urhobo umbrella, the British set in motion a process that led to the gradual but a systematic attempt to deny Okpe ethnicity which was erroneously subsumed under the Urhobo. 

 

Over time, this grave error of British colonialism assumed a “truth” of its own as the outside world and several Okpe began to refer to the Okpe as “Urhobo.”  This falsity was inherited by post-colonial Nigerian governments. A similar fate befell the Isoko of “Eastern Urhobo.” However, unlike the Okpe, their western counterpart, the Isokos were able to extricate themselves from the Urhobo appellation and restored their independence as a distinct ethnic nationality. 

 

Okpe and Urhobo do not share a common ancestry, or a common language. The Urhobo argument that Okpe is “Urhobo” is anchored on the concept of transferred colonialism from British rule to Urhobo rule in post-colonial Nigeria. This diabolical plot is facilitated by internal fifth columnists that, in most cases, have an Urhobo parent and therefore posit that “Okpe is Urhobo”.

 

As stated by a senior Chief in the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe of Kingdom, this group of supposedly Okpe nationals has captured policy formulation and implementation in Okpe Kingdom. The enemy is within.

 

For more than seven decades, there has been a growing realization among leading Okpe personalities to follow the Isoko example.  Two subjective factors seem to conspire against this legitimate proposition. First, the Urhobo argument is that, Okpe will be weakening the Urhobo nation if they emulate the Isoko. Second, some Okpe, after being assimilated into the Urhobo fabric as a consequence of flawed colonial policy, seem conditioned to accept Urhobo as their nationality.  Both viewpoints are based on weak and false argumentations. To endorse either is to condone the denial of Okpe nationality.  And to suggest that by upholding their nationality the Okpe will weaken the Urhobo nation, we are invited to accept the lie that “Okpe is Urhobo”.  On the contrary, the extrication of Okpe from Urhobo will strengthen the independence of both ethnic nationalities.  They each need to re-define their respective identities.

 

The uniqueness of the Okpe Nation is that each Okpe national is a descendant of one or two of the four ruling houses of the Okpe Kingdom, as depicted in the above GENEAOLOGY OF THE OKPE PEOPLE: Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi. Thus, the Okpe ethnicity satisfies all the properties of statehood and nationality as the nationals share the same common ancestry, the same language, culture, and traditions. The Okpe Kingdom has a clearly defined territory under a single monarchy and a permanent population of Okpe ethnicity. In fact, Okpe is one of the few ethnic nationalities in Nigeria that possess these clearly defined properties. The others are, inter alia, in alphabetical order, Benin, Nupe, and Itsekiri, etc.

 

Major General Felix Mujakperuo (RTD) was crowned as HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom on July 29, 2006; after a 2-year interregnum. He immediately positioned himself as the chief advocate of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. Not only did he and several Okpe chiefs participate actively in the deliberations of the 1st Okpe Voice World Conference held in Sapele, October 17–18, 2006, he hosted a delegation of Okpe leaders drawn from the Okpe Union Nigeria, the Okpe Union of North America (OUNA), and the Okpe Union UK, under the auspices of the OKPE VOICE, at the Palace, on October 20, 2006, to review and approve the resolutions and communiqué of the Conference. The communiqué included, inter alia. the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, the establishment of an all Okpe federal constituency, the teaching of Okpe language in all primary and secondary schools in Okpe Nation, etc.

 

HRM Orhue l, delivered a powerful landmark address entitled "Tradition and Governance in the Okpe Kingdom: A Keynote Address , on September 1, 2007 At The 3rd Annual Convention Of The Okpe Union Of North America Held At Marriott Hotel, College Park, Maryland, Usa August 31 – September 03, 2007. This was a defining moment in the struggle for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. The Orodje 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.”

 

It should be stressed that, not only did Orhue l endorse the conclusions of R. E. Bradbury and Rev. Dr. Charles E. Osume, (The Okpe People, 2006 edition), about the origin of the Okpe, he classified Okpe as “a unique ethnic nationality” with “distinctive roots in ancient history, tradition, culture, customs and language” irrespective of its similarity “to most other ethnic nationalities of the Western Niger Delta.”

 

Regarding the wrongful excision of Okpe territory from the Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue l was very categorical in expressing the position of the Okpe on this issue. He averred:

 

“Let me also mention briefly that although the Okpe Kingdom covers the two local government areas of Sapele and Okpe, our people and communities are located in towns and villages presently and wrongly included in some neighbouring local government areas, for example, Ohorhe in Uvwie Local Government.”

 

In the above keynote address, HRM Orhue l positioned himself as the chief promoter and defender of Okpe national interest. He subsequently established an Udogun Okpe Education Committee to liaise with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to ensure the recognition of Okpe Language as a teaching subject in Okpe Nation.

 

By 2010, the Orodje began to move away from his role as the chief promoter and defender of Okpe Identity in favour of his personal aggrandizement. He cautioned the then NEC of the Okpe Union (Worldwide) to stop the agitation for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, because, according to him, the advocacy will diminish his chances of becoming the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council. That notwithstanding, the Orodje was trying to walk on both sides of the street at the same time by internally espousing Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality while externally he was collaborating with the anti-Okpe Identity forces to undermine the internal cohesion of the Okpe Nation.  Internally, in a study initiated and financed by HRM Orhue l, Udogun Okpe 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.”

 

But externally, simultaneously, the Orodje’s emissaries, mostly Palace Chiefs, continued their anti-Okpe Identity narratives by their false claim that “Okpe is Urhobo”.  The Orodje’s declaration that “Okpe is a dialect of Urhobo” lends credence to the statements of his emissaries that “Okpe is Urhobo”.  The dictionary defines dialect as “a particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group”, while a language is “the principal method of human communication, consisting of words used in a structured and conventional way and conveyed by speech, writing, or gesture”. From all available historical sources, Okpe is a distinct language from the Urhobo language. The Orodje’s declaration is not only a blatant distortion of Okpe History, but a shameless public denial of Okpe Identity. History will Judge if this seismic shift was influenced by the Orodje’s personal interest or by Okpe national interest. 

 

Commenting on an article entitled “IS OKPE STILL URHOBO?”, two brilliant Okpe sons responded in strong defence of Okpe Identity.  Barr. Ehensiri Akpederin declared:  “When the leadership of a people claim the identity of a neighbouring nation for political correctness, they have wittingly or unwittingly opted to destroy their own identity, language, arts and the self esteem of the people of their nation or ethnicity. May the Okpe Nation be saved from betrayers”. Prof. Kenneth Eni opined: “Well, it's only a few Okpe people who do not know their roots that will trumpet Okpe as Urhobo. The Urhobo people have not really considered Okpe as Urhobo. This is not coming as a surprise to me. The more Okpe is not included in this type of affair, the better for the identity struggle.”

 

It is obvious to all perceptive observers and policy analysts that the Orodje has sacrificed Okpe national interest for a pot of ukodo prepared by his political masters ahead of the 2027 elections. This is political correctness gone awry. The Okpe Union, and indeed all sons and daughters of Okpeland, are greatly distressed by the video of HRM Orhue l making rounds about our identity. As proud children of Okpe, we have access to several literatures and ancestral information about our origin which has never been disputed by the Orodje who is the traditional ruler as at today. Perhaps he is in possession of new facts and documents which have altered our ancestry. The time to produce it is now. It is highly regrettable that our revered Traditional ruler would grant such weighty interview about the core of our existence without presenting facts and references.

 

There is no linguistic or empirical research that has determined that any of the languages of the Edoid Group of Languages is easier to understand by the speakers of the others in the language group as to position one as a general language or dialect. Indeed, it is acknowledged by many that a large segment of the Uvwie people understand the Okpe Language. However, this has not driven the Okpe people or leaders to conclude that the Uvwie Language is a dialect of the Okpe Language. Similarly, as close as the Esan Language is to the Edo Language, Edo leaders or scholars have never claimed that it is a dialect of Edo Language but as one of the languages of the Edoid Group of Languages just as Etsako, Okpe, Isoko, Urhobo and others.

 

Thus, we are shocked and disappointed by the Orodje's declaration, which undermines the rich cultural heritage and dignity of the Okpe people. As the mouth-piece of the Okpe Nation, the Okpe Union rejects the Orodje's de-marketing of our ethnic nationality and asserts our pride in our identity, culture, and sovereignty. While we sympathize with various political actors who in a bid to score political mileage have been manipulating ethnic boundaries for political gains, we cannot comprehend how the custodian of our rites and traditions will join the fray. Several monarchs and army generals  have betrayed their respective countries. Why did the Orodje shift from his strong position as a promoter of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality that he brilliantly articulated on September 1, 2007, to become an apologist for Urhobo ethnic nationality?  Historians will compare the declaration of Orhue l and the dictatorship of Esezi l, to determine which of the two is more injurious to the Okpe Nation.

 

We call on members of the Okpe Union (Worldwide), and indeed all Okpe sons and daughters to remain united under the umbrella of the Okpe Union in the continued advocacy for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. The struggle is going to be long and difficult, but the redemption of the Okpe Nation is worth the battle. A kingdom exists because there was a Nation that produced it. Thus, a king or an Orodje cannot be superior to the Nation that birthed it. This is particularly true of the Okpe Kingdom where the Okpe Nation congregates to elect one of its male citizens as the Orodje via a democratic electoral process. The sovereignty of an Orodje does not grant him an absolute or dictatorial power or authority, but is derived from the results of the electoral process on behalf of the Okpe Nation. When the four princely brothers, our ancestors – Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi – decided to establish the Okpe Kingdom, they did so from the bowel of the Okpe Nation. Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era was resuscitated in 1945 after an interregnum of 166 years. (See https://okpeunionng.net/orodjes-of-okpe-kingdom/) During this period, there were no Orodjes because there was no kingdom, but Okpe Nation continued to exist and represented by power brokers in several Okpe communities that exercised independence and sovereignty.

 

It is therefore our historical and sacred responsibility, as members of the Okpe Union, to ensure that the Okpe monarchy remains a symbol of unity and strength of the Okpe Nation, and not to degenerate into anarchy and dictatorship.

 

Prof. O. Igho Natufe,

Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin and

Barrister Victor Oruno write from Okpe Union Headquarters, Lagos

Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba: A Vice Chancellor with an Eye for Details

By Danny Kems

Well known for his steadfast adherence to principles and thorough leadership, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba stands very tall as a man of great moral rectitude. His style of leadership has distinguished him as a hardworking and an upright Nigerian.

 

Naturally zealous about development, the current Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka comes across clearly as a competent hand that would not back away from a public interest policy. Perhaps, the most fascinating part of Asagba is that he is a reformer.

 

A highly accomplished scholar, biochemist, and academic leader, Asagba's career reflects a lifelong dedication to excellence in research, education, and institutional development.

 

The seasoned academic with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and university administration began his academic career at the Delta State University, where he steadily rose through the ranks, holding several strategic positions including:  Head of Department of Biochemistry, Dean of Faculty of Science, and Chairman of numerous university committees.

 

His appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka was not only a testament to his outstanding academic credentials but also a groundbreaking moment. His leadership ushered in a new era of innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence at Delsu.

 

Professor Asagba has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, with particular focus on Toxicology. He also authored several personal and peer-reviewed publications, many of which appear in reputable international journals. His research work has been instrumental to the advancement of knowledge in health and nutritional sciences, and his academic excellence and leadership have earned him several professional honors.

 

A member of numerous national and international academic bodies and a reviewer and editorial board member for several scientific journals, Professor Asagba since assuming office as Vice Chancellor of Delsu has emphasized innovation, gender equity, research-driven education, university industry collaboration, Infrastructure development and digital transformation.

 

This devoted and resilient Vice-Chancellor has prioritized institutional expansion and modernization, establishing two groundbreaking faculties to meet emerging academic demands. The Faculty of Health Sciences now encompasses Pharmacology, Nursing, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Optometry, while the Faculty of Environmental Sciences resuscitated from the defunct Asaba campus includes Surveying, Estate Management, Geography and Regional Planning, Architecture and Building programs.

 

Further unbundling initiatives have elevated specialized disciplines: Computer Science has evolved into the stand-alone Faculty of Computing, and the Department of Mass Communication has been separated from the Faculty of Social Sciences to form the new Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. This faculty now offers diverse programs such as Public Relations, Advertising, Mass Communication, Film and Multimedia Studies, Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies.

 

Prof. Asagba's achievements extend to creating three new faculties overall; Environmental Sciences, Computing, and Allied Health Sciences fostering a more dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment.

 

Infrastructure development stands as a cornerstone of his administration. Key projects include the construction of an access road linking the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) and the Faculty of Arts. The ongoing construction of the Faculty of Agriculture building addresses long-standing challenges.

 

Since relocating from Asaba, the faculty has relied on the old College of Education structure. “We have started the Faculty of Agriculture structure,” Prof. Asagba noted. “As more money comes in, I hope to finish it within two months. It's a complex of two- or three-story buildings.”

 

Other vital upgrades include the reconstruction of an abandoned 500-capacity lecture theatre; renovation of the 750-capacity Lecture Halls A, B, C, and D, and refurbishment of the old Faculty of Pharmacy building.

 

At the Faculty of Clinical Sciences in Oghara, lecture halls have been renovated alongside the installation of fibre optic internet and a robust 24-hour server room to enhance research connectivity.

 

Power reliability has been strengthened at the ICT centre in Site II with an upgraded server room featuring a 15KVA inverter and 32 panels for constant supply. Additionally, there has been procurement of office equipment and furniture for the current accreditation exercise, ensuring seamless operations across lecture halls and administrative offices. His tenure so far has been marked with efforts to deepen Delsu’s global partnerships while improving internal systems, staff welfare, and student development.

 

Asagba is also known for his meticulous planning. Those who have worked with him echo his reputation for reading memos word by word—ensuring every line counts. This is not just a formality; it's the mark of a leader committed to effective administration.

 

As Professor Samuel Asagba marks his first year in office, he continues to represent the pinnacle of intellectual brilliance, visionary leadership, and gender progress in Nigeria's academic space.

 

As Vice-Chancellor of Delsu, he is not only shaping the future of science and technology education but also inspiring a new generation of leadership.

 

His story is one of dedication, excellence, and breaking barriers; and his legacy will continue to influence the Nigerian academic community for years to come.

 

Danny Kems Is An Executive Director In The Forum For Credible Election And Good Governance In Africa. He Writes From Warri, Delta State.

Tears of Joy and Celebration as both the Esan and the Kalabari Communities Reunite 27 years later

In a display of classic culture and deep tradition, finely laced with an international cast; the families of Iyamabo and Datubo converged in the Rivers state capital, Port Harcourt to join one another in holy matrimony.

 

Supervised by the women, the Igbe finji ( box opening) to show

what the groom had bought for his bride was followed with the bibi fe (buying of the mouth) display which saw both families feed each other with a key assembly of exotic Kalabari dishes carefully prepared and presented to whet the appetites of those present.

 

As per the culture, the bride was to smile only when the expectations had not only been met but were verified to have been met by Fred and true to form Victoria only revealed a perfect set of teeth when the loud chorus of approval was let out by her family fully represented by the women of the house.

 

The significance of the traditional ceremony being that the “unity of the marriage is not just for the two individuals, but for both communities, which we need to see more and more of in present day Nigeria.” This was the view echoed by Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, the Chairman of the occasion and brother in law to Fred Iyamabo, the groom.

 

Twenty seven years earlier almost to the day, it was the reverse that played out, when he went to Benin

with his family to do the exact same thing when he took Rosemary, his wife’s hand in marriage. Incidentally it was in his house in London where the couple had met for the first time with nobody the wiser to what fate had in store for them. Incidentally Victoria, who was nicknamed Sandisco by the late King and father of the Chairman maybe on account of her dancing skills, is also a cousin of the Prince.

 

Following completion of traditional rites, the gathering was entertained by live cultural music, the cutting of the cake and special prayers led by Deacon George Betts. The bride's family was led by her older sister, Mrs. Eva Dagogo Princewill, her brothers; Eddy Datubo, Will Datubo and Henry Datubo, while the grooms family was led by the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Flora Iyamabo, his sisters, Caroline Ademiluyi, Elizabeth Uwaifo, Rita Odutola, Florence Iyamabo, Rosemary Princewill, Regina Jemide. and his brother, Victor Iyamabo amongst many other friends and well wishers.

 

MCd seamlessly by Barr. Adaye Duke and Chief Daogigo Amachree, guests partied and feasted their way into the early hours of the morning with the local favourite of Boli and Fish making a very welcome appearance.

 

 

Source: Jenewari Ntiego Alioma

Secretary, Ogo Elebabene Group of Houses

 

Foreign Investors, Golfers Meet As Smart City Golf Tournament and Business Conference Begin in Delta State

The 2025 Canaan Land Smart City Golf Tournament and Business conference will begin on Friday, December 12 in Delta State. 

“Koko Town has the huge potential for investment, particularly in real estate, agriculture, health, tourism and other areas. So we are expecting professional golfers and investors from different parts of the world’’ a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi, said. 

The golf tournament and business and conference will hold from12-14 December, 2025 in Canaan Land, Koko Town.

”Koko Town is a hub for fishing and shrimping operations. There are a lot of oil and gas companies. Whether you are a local or foreign investor or looking at residential or commercial properties, there is something for everyone in Koko.”

The statement said, ‘’the event will showcase the diverse range of opportunities that the port town has to offer.”

On security, Aganbi said, ‘’Steps have been taken to ensure that visitors from within and outside the country have a secure and conducive atmosphere within which to assess the economic opportunities of Koko.”

He emphasized the tight security in Koko and the hospitality for which the residents are known.

“Top business men in Nigeria and abroad, members of the diplomatic corps and key actors in government across the country are looking forward to converging on Koko beginning from December 12, 2025. They are excited by the prospect of experiencing the hospitality for which the good people of Koko are known for and the vast opportunities for commerce, tourism and industry.”

According to Aganbi, the event is expected to drive long term sustainable economic participation and create new opportunities for local and foreign investors in the area

 

 

Princewill Marks 50 days in office as Da Ogo the VIth, visits the source (Elem Kalabari)

....Attends Kalabari New Year Festival

 

By Nwaorgu Faustinus

 

After 50 days in office, Princewill and key members of Queen Elebabene Da Ogo group of houses headed to the historical town of Elem Kalabari to celebrate the Kalabari New Year in support of the Chief Host and King of the source, HRH Mujahid Dokubo Asari.

 

“The festival is observed on the 16th of November each year with the 15th evening or tide event recognized as the “transition”. The date is tied to a beautiful natural phenomenon of the tidal surge or “turning of the tide” where saltwater pushes back fresh water - considered a natural reset that symbolizes renewal, rebirth and the reaffirmation of identity”, Princewill said.

 

The revived festival is believed to go back centuries with activities ranging from cleansing of the water to a tree planting ceremony which the Prince himself led, and many cultural displays which included the “18 types of Iria”.

 

The colourful festival coincided with the 50 days in office of Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill as Da Ogo the VIth where he has already empowered 20 owners of existing businesses within the group with 500,000 Naira each, launched a medical intervention scheme to address immediate and urgent healthcare needs with 32 beneficiaries already getting urgent medical attention, equipped women and the youths with environmental sanitation material to keep Ogo Polo clean, refurbished the Ogo memorial hall, installed cutting edge solar energy systems, donated 5 million to youth skills development in 5 different disciplines, from sewing to hairdressing to GMP installation, soap and shoe making.

 

A statement signed by Jenewari Ntiego Alioma, Secretary, Ogo Elebabene Group of Houses and made

available to newspaper editors, publishers, online news platforms and journalists, noted that the Abbi youths skilled jobs scheme was targeted at the wider Abbi group of which Ogo Elebabene is a key part and benefits 160 youths to not only get trained with the practical work experience, but get equipped with working materials to set up their own businesses.

 

Osaki Kpaluku Amachree, the Abbi Youths Chairman on receiving the money thanked the Prince on redeeming his pledge and promised to ensure that the money given will produce visible results in a short space of time. The Prince then went ahead to appoint a monitoring team headed by Chief Daogigo Ebenezer Pepple Amachree to give feedback on a monthly basis on its progress.

All Set for Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s Burial in Lagos

 

Thousands will gather in Lagos on Friday to bid farewell to Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.

 

The woman of courage, good character and wealth died on September 2, 2025 in Lagos.

 

Her funeral activities will begin with Service of Songs and Night of Tributes on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at The Citadel, 274 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island.

 

A statement released by the Ernest Ikoli Foundation praised Elsie Ajayi Ikoli for her strength, hard work, prudence, zeal and care for the family.

 

“We are prepared for the last journey of Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli. Her body will be taken from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital on Friday, November 28, 2025 to 26 Eric Moore Close for the Lying-in-State. The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are expected to pay their last respects to her.”

 

The statement emphasized the admirable achievements of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli in the business community and her impressive services in the Lord’s Vineyard.

 

“A funeral service will take place at The Salvation Army Church, 11 Odunlami Street, Lagos Island from 10:00am. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli will be laid to rest at Ebony Vault, Ikoyi’’ the statement signed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Ernest Ikoli Foundation, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli, said.

 

“The celebration of the life of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli will begin from 2:00pm at The Hall Event Center, 16 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island while the dignitaries will join the family of Nigerian politician, nationalist and pioneering journalists, Ernest Sissei Ikoli at The Salvation Army Church, 11 Odunlami Street, Lagos Island on Sunday, November 30, 2025 for the thanksgiving service’’ the statement added.

 

 

Credit: Henry Ovie

 

MWUN Protest At Onne Debunks Alleged Extortion And Lack of Drivers Welfare

 

By Bon Peters

 

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Haulage District Eastern Zone, Onne, Rivers State has staged a peaceful protest at Onne to debunk what the union described as an alleged malicious and unfounded allegations of connivance and extortion levelled against the Union by  a group they refer to as dissidents  within their fold who according to them felt aggrieved over the commencement of Electronic Truck call- Up system otherwise known as E- Call Up at Onne  Port.

 

The peaceful protest which started at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Round-About with a motorcade on Monday morning Nov 17, 2025, proceeded with fanfare and dance to the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) Onne and ended at the Notore Roundabout

 

The protesters, whom majority of them adored in white unionist attire, were also seen singing solidarity songs and dancing to the admiration of passersby.

 

Addressing journalists at the (FLT) Gate, NPA Onne, Port complex, the protesters led by their leaders said their motive for the protest was to put the record straight regarding a malicious and unfounded allegations levelled against them by a group known as Active Containers and Cargo Truck Drivers Association to the effect that MWUN colluded with NPA to extort their members through multiple taxation, lack of drivers warfare among others. Even as the group said they were no longer part of MWUN

 

Debunking the allegations, the Executive Chairman, Haulage District of Maritime workers Union Eastern ports, comrade Ugwu Adolphus said he would not have wasted his effort and that of other MWUN executives to react to the ranting of such an unknown group but to put the record straight.

 

"The purpose of our coming here today is to put the record straight and to debunk insinuations and malicious allegations spreading on social media that Maritime Workers Union haulage district connived with Nigerian Ports Authority to defraud drivers through E- Call up”

 

"I want to tell you that there is nothing like extortion here, Rather the Maritime Workers Union under my leadership as the executive chairman, has been doing everything to see that our drivers are well taken care of, especially with the commencement of the Electronic  Truck call- Up system.

 

Continuing, Comrade Ugwu said “When the E-Call Up system was first introduced, we communicated our concerns to the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), highlighting that Onne Port’s unique operational conditions made the system unnecessary, as congestion is minimal here.

 

When the authorities insisted on its implementation, neither I nor the union had the power to halt a federal government policy.”

 

"But let me tell you some individuals approached me demanding that I should stop the E-Call Up rollout.”

 

“I told them that my influence was limited to the union’s scope hence we cannot override federal government directives,” he added.

 

The union leader dismissed claims and insinuations that MWUN colluded with NPA to extort truck drivers.

 

“The allegations of multiple taxation and extortion are false. Our union fees range from N5, 000 to N10, 000, all receipted and applicable nationwide.”

 

Addressing concerns over lack of welfare for workers, Ugwu said, “I challenge anyone to provide evidence of neglect. Our members receive medical treatment when sick; we fund hospital bills, provide befitting burials, and support those with permanent disabilities. "

 

Speaking further, Ugwu insisted those allegations were baseless and only arose due to the implementation of the E-Call Up system.”

 

He stressed that MWUN has no involvement in the E-Call Up program hence it was a brain child of the federal government and Nigerian Ports Authority.

 

"What they are doing is to give us bad names in order to hang us, but it will never Work " Ugwu enthused

 

Also speaking, the unit Chairman, Truck owners of Maritime workers Union, Comrade Uche Ogbu reiterated that their union was that of integrity, personality and responsibility.

 

He insisted that the essence of their union was to protect the rights and privileges of their members especially drivers which he noted they have done by negotiating a very robust haulage fare for the drivers in the Eastern Zone, wondering why some disgruntled elements should go about spreading rumours.

 

He added that the motive behind such fake information was to muscle down the power of the executives vowing that such would not happen .

 

He said E- call-up, was a government policy and that MWUN would never work against it.

 

“Union can't stop government policy but to negotiate."

 

On the E-call Up amount, Comrade Uche Ogbu said Onne at the moment is paying about N15, 000, unlike Lagos.

 

Ogbu however, lampooned those causing confusion insisting that they would fail.

 

For the unit Secretary, Truck owners of MWUN, comrade Casmir Anukanti, "part of the protest is  to pass a vote of confidence in the Ugwu -led administration"

 

Anukanti said Comrade Ugwu has done so much that nobody could dwarf his achievements through cheap blackmail.

 

With a voice vote, the union therefore passed a vote of confidence in Ugwu.

 

The protesters who met with the Traffic Manager NPA Mr. Surajudeen Abolade who represented the Port manager, Onne Port complex, Mr. Abdulramon Hussain said they were there on a solidarity match, urging NPA, to disregard any misgivings from a group they referred to as non-existent.

 

Responding, Mr. Surajudeen Abolade said he was happy to receive them on behalf of the port Manager, saying that the Nigerian Ports Authority is committed to creating an enabling business environment.

 

He promised to take their message to the port manager while urged them not to cause any breach of law and order that might affect their business and that of other port users.

 

Some Truck drivers who spoke to journalists described those who accused MWUN of extortion and lack of welfare as disgruntled and ungrateful insisting that Ugwu -led   Haulage District of Maritime workers Union of Nigeria has done tremendously well.

 

They said any driver accusing Ugwu and his EXCO of not being taken care of, should come with a proof.

 

They however warned those they referred to as mischief makers to engage in other things than resorting to cheap blackmail.