By Foster Akpore | Ovwor-Olomu, Delta State | October 18, 2025
President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Chief (Barr.) Ese Gam, has paid glowing tribute to the late HRM M.O.P. Ovbagbedia (JP), Uhurie-Osadjere II, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, describing him as a rare leader, a moral compass, and one of the finest fathers Urhobo ever produced.
Gam spoke on Friday at the funeral ceremony of the revered monarch in Olomu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, where he also took time to appreciate the role of Olomu Kingdom in the advancement of Urhobo unity and progress.
“A Father of Quiet Wisdom”
Chief Gam said the late royal father held a special place in the heart of the UPU, recalling his years of service as a Trustee of the Union — a position he described as the highest honour within the organisation.
“I grew up knowing him as a Trustee of UPU. That is the greatest height anyone can attain in our Union, and that was who our father was,” he said.
He spoke fondly of the monarch’s humility and forgiving nature, recounting an incident in which the UPU mistakenly omitted his photograph in a publication.
“When we went to apologise, he told us there was no need for that. That was the kind of man he was — gentle, observant, never destructive,” Gam said.
He added that the entire UPU was deeply saddened by the monarch’s passing, describing it as the loss of an irreplaceable father figure.
Olomu Kingdom’s Enduring Support
The UPU leader thanked the people of Olomu for their steadfastness and contributions to Urhobo unity, citing their intervention in recent legal and community challenges.
“About a year ago, when the unfortunate incident occurred in Okuama, Olomu Kingdom rose to the occasion. The UPU does not carry arms; what we have is knowledge. We ran to our Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Albert Akpomudje, the Otota of Olomu Kingdom. He handled everything and never took a kobo from UPU,” Gam stated.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings on Chief Akpomudje for his selfless service to Urhobo.
Praise for Olorogun Moses Taiga
Chief Gam also commended the immediate past UPU President General, Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Taiga, for his maturity, restraint, and wisdom in leadership, noting that he had remained a stabilising force even after leaving office.
“As President General and now past President General, Olorogun Moses Taiga has never publicly condemned the UPU,” he said. “When he has concerns, he calls me quietly: ‘Ese, my son, do it this way and that way.’ That is the difference between an educated man and one who seeks attention by running others down.”
“A Mark of Half Learning” — Gam Rebukes Omene
Taking a swipe at former UPU President General, Engr. Joe Omene, Gam criticised what he described as Omene’s divisive style and constant public criticism of the Union.
“If it were people like Omene, they take pleasure in running you down publicly. That is the mark of half-learning,” Gam said pointedly. “Those who did not go far in school often seek attention by always finding fault in others.”
He contrasted Omene’s attitude with that of Olorogun Taiga, whom he hailed as a model of intellectual humility and statesmanship.
Olomu Sons and Daughters Commended
The UPU President General went on to commend several distinguished sons of Olomu for their consistent support to the Union.
He revealed that Chief John Oguma had, for the past three years, been solely responsible for paying the salaries of UPU staff.
He also praised Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu for his continued contributions to UPU programmes and events, including his role as chairman of the forthcoming UPU conference planning committee.
“Olomu Kingdom, please clap for yourselves,” Gam declared to applause. “Papa took care of us. He was quiet, gentle, and lived a fulfilled life.”
Tribute to Women and Youth
Gam expressed gratitude to the Osu Eghweya of Urhobo, Chief Dame Mrs. Rose Oghene, for her presence and leadership, as well as to the Forum of Urhobo Presidents General led by Chief Monday Arawhore.
He also commended the Urhobo youth president, Activist Ughere Blessed, for his dedication, noting that the UPU’s rebranding effort was being driven by the youth.
“Urhobo Belongs to All of Us”
In a reflective close, Chief Gam quoted the Scriptures, saying, “His place let another take.” He added in Urhobo, onohwotohwho — “it passes from one to another” — as a symbolic message of continuity and renewal.
“On behalf of UPU, we have invited ourselves to the coronation ceremony that will follow this one, in Jesus’ name,” he declared, to laughter and applause.
He ended with a firm call for unity among Urhobo people:
“Urhobo belongs to us all. Nobody is an island. Everyone has his own style of doing things. Urhobo does not give birth to fools or weaklings, and we do not send unserious children on errands. I greet you all.”