By Foster Akpore | Abraka, Delta State | October 25, 2025
The reelection bid of Chief (Barr.) Ese Gam Owe, President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, gained renewed momentum on Saturday, October 25, as His Royal Majesty, Uku Odjevworo Akpomeyoma Majoroh (Ojeta II), the Ovie of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, extended his royal blessing and unreserved support for the UPU leader’s second term.
The monarch, widely respected for his measured voice in Urhobo affairs, described Owe’s first tenure as steady, unifying, and deserving of continuity. In a prayer imbued with faith and foresight, the Ovie said:
“May God bless you. The name that God has given to someone is difficult to change. God was the one who gave you the name. I know that some years back you did not think that you would be the President-General of Urhobo Progress Union, but what God has destined for someone must come to pass. God should allow you to complete your two tenures because the position has reached you already.”
He further urged that those around Owe should also thrive: “Let everyone who came here with you make progress. Let all of them get their own tenures. Nobody should push them out. Let Urhobo be peaceful for you. God should touch the hearts of those who are fighting you.” The monarch’s vision for harmony and continuity within the Union was evident in his words.
The Ovie also invoked divine guidance for the Union’s developmental projects, including the proposed renovation of Urhobo House, Uvwiamuge, in Agbarho: “May God help you to actualize your plans for the renovation. Let it be the pain of the children of Urhobo so they can make money available for its actualization.”
Chief Owe, in his remark before the royal blessing, reflected on the journey of his administration since 2022, highlighting the support of the traditional institution in stabilizing the Union after years of internal division.
“Your Majesty,” Owe began, “we came here about three years ago when I indicated my intention to contest for the position of President-General. At the end of that election, by God’s grace, we emerged victorious. I have come today to thank you once again — in retrospect — for your support and for all that our royal fathers have continued to do for the UPU.”
He stressed the socio-cultural nature of the UPU: “It has no armed wing and no power to enforce anything with guns. The only institutions constitutionally empowered to do so are the police, army, air force, navy, and other paramilitary agencies. As a socio-cultural body, our sole aim is to preserve and promote the integrity and dignity of the Urhobo people worldwide.”
Owe recalled the UPU’s response to the tragic Okuama incident, in which seventeen soldiers lost their lives: “At that difficult moment, the Forum of Traditional Rulers of Urhobo Nation was the first to call a meeting for collective deliberation. True to the saying that an injury to one is an injury to all, you met at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie, where the UPU also attended upon your summons. We addressed a press conference and then decided to provide relief materials to the affected people.”
He praised the kings’ leadership: “Your Majesties bore the greater part of that cost. Later, we visited the IDP camp together. You personally went by boat to Okuama to see the scene of the tragedy. We remain deeply grateful for that gesture.”
Owe also highlighted the legal interventions undertaken by his administration: “We used the instrumentality of law to approach the Federal High Court for the release of those detained and for compensation for the destruction in Okuama. On 30th September, 2025, the judge granted our application for the production of the detained persons. The matter is deferred to 13th November, 2025, due to a minor procedural error, but we will pursue it.”
He elaborated on the constitutional reforms: “We resolved to review and rewrite the constitution. The new 2024 Urhobo Progress Union Constitution clearly states that Urhobo Nation is headed by the Council of Traditional Rulers. The Forum of Kings now occupies a place of pride in the constitution, no longer merely advisory. We also moderated the powers of the President-General to ensure inclusiveness and balance.”
On the proposed renovation of Uvwiamuge House, Owe reiterated transparency and community involvement: “The renovation fund is held in a dedicated Union Bank account, managed independently. I deliberately stepped aside from direct control to ensure accountability.”
Chief Owe concluded with a humble appeal for continued guidance and support: “Your Majesty, having served diligently, we believe it is proper to seek your blessing and permission to recontest, so we may continue the good work already begun. We cannot undertake anything in Urhobo land without your royal approval.”
The royal blessing, coupled with Owe’s reflections, drew visible nods from chiefs and guests. Present were High Chief (Engr.) F. O. Okotie, Chief (Barr.) E. J. Efe, Chief Emmanuel Idogho, Chief (Dr.) Kelvin Omena, Chief Moses Oghuvwu, Egheneji Oghenegweke, and the UPU Executive Council.
As the 2025 UPU election approaches, Chief (Barr.) Ese Gam Owe’s message resonates across Urhoboland — one of steadiness, reform, and continuity. Under his leadership, the Union has regained the confidence of its royal fathers, restored moral authority, and redefined constitutional balance.
“We are not just managing a Union,” Owe said in closing. “We are protecting the soul of Urhobo. And for that, we must remain united.”