By Foster Akpore
The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) concluded the first day of its 94th Urhobo Day Celebration and 2025 Annual Congress with the election of new executives, bringing an end to a closely contested race that drew widespread attention across the Urhobo nation.
Chief Barr Ese Gam Owe was returned as President General after polling 432 votes, while his challenger, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, garnered 178 votes. The opening ceremony and plenary session brought together delegates, traditional rulers, community representatives, women’s groups, and youth bodies, setting the tone for the union’s annual gathering.
Chief Ohwofa campaigned on the MUGA agenda, a seven-point manifesto emphasizing unity, institutional reform, empowerment, economic revival, cultural renewal, security, and diaspora collaboration. His campaign mantra, “Restoring Dignity, Rekindling Unity, Rebuilding Prosperity,” called for a concerted effort to Make Urhobo Great Again.
Chief Ese Gam anchored his campaign on the achievements of his first term. Under his leadership, the Union expanded inclusion by admitting women into the Board of Trustees for the first time and increasing representation in the Council of Representatives. Structural reforms strengthened UPU operations, restored confidence among traditional rulers, and ensured that disputes were resolved through lawful channels. A comprehensive revision of the UPU Constitution clarified decision-making processes and formally positioned royal fathers as the moral anchor of the Union. Youth participation widened, community outreach across Nigeria and the diaspora improved, and deliberate steps were taken to promote Urhobo language, culture, and heritage. His administration also laid foundations for future development, including plans to renovate and upgrade the Urhobo House in Uvwiamuge, Agbarho and establish an Endowment Fund to support long-term projects.
In a display of sportsmanship, Chief Ohwofa congratulated Ese Gam after the results were announced, while the President General extended a hand of fellowship, inviting all contestants to join him in advancing the Urhobo nation.
Reflecting on leadership and responsibility, Chief Ese Gam urged delegates to reject impressions of weakness. “Let no one give you the impression that we are weak. We are not weak at all. If we were weak, people would not come from Lagos to contest elections with us. We are not weak,” he said.
He drew on classical philosophy to illustrate the qualities of leaders, citing Plato’s three types of men: the desirous man, who seeks wealth and personal gain; the spirited man, who acts blindly under influence; and the philosopher, who thinks before acting. “If the spirited man says the philosopher is weak, and the desirous man says the philosopher is weak, it is only because of the position from which they look. A philosopher leads with thought, not impulse,” he explained.
Chief Ese Gam highlighted the sensitive political context of leadership, noting that the Governor of Delta State is an Urhobo son. He urged members to exercise care and prudence, pray for the Governor, and act with discipline and foresight. He also appealed for harmony with neighboring ethnic groups like the Ijaws, Itsekiri and Isoko, reminding delegates that peaceful coexistence is essential for the Urhobo’s long-term goals, including the quest for a separate state.
He encouraged delegates to rise above anger, personal grudges, and apportioning blame. “Anyone who claims to be self-made is an idiot. The gatekeeper in your compound is a human being. The dry cleaner who irons your clothes is a human being. The driver who carries you is a human being. In all you do, remember to love your neighbour as yourself with a sensitive understanding,” he said.
Ese Gam reminded the gathering that the presence of opponents enriched the election and strengthened the Union, recalling his own experience of losing an election by one vote. He invited all contestants to work together and contribute to building the Urhobo nation.
He concluded by inviting delegates and fellow contestants to the cultural programmes scheduled for the second day and the thanksgiving service on Sunday, stressing that participation in these events is a sacrifice for the nation and a celebration of Urhobo identity.
Earlier, the chairman of the planning committee, Ebenezer Okorodudu, praised the electoral panel led by Hon. Chief Engr. Emmanuel Ighomena for conducting a credible process. He thanked delegates, security agencies, and volunteers for their contribution to the smooth conduct of the congress.
The 94th Urhobo Day Celebration continues with cultural displays from the various kingdoms before concluding with a thanksgiving service.