By Foster Akpore
As consultations ahead of the December 5, 2025 Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) elections intensify, the President General of the Union, Chief (Barr.) Ese Gam Owe, on Tuesday, November 4, led members of his executive to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Matthew Ediri Egbi, JP, Ohwawha II, Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, to seek royal blessings and reaffirm his commitment to the progress of the Urhobo Nation.
The visit, held in a warm and reflective atmosphere at Otu-Jeremi, brought together prominent sons and daughters of Ughievwen Kingdom, including the Otota of Ughievwen, Olorogun Matthew Share; Olorogun Andrew Orugbo, former Attorney-General of Delta State; Olorogun John Ogadien, Otota of Orhowhe Sub-Clan; Olorogun P.A. Weleke, President-General of Ughievwen Union (Home and Diaspora); and Olorogun Majority Okoh, the Akpokpokpor of Ughievwen Kingdom.
Chief Ese Gam, in his address, described the Okobaro as a monarch whose humility, piety, and devotion to God stand out in contemporary traditional leadership. He recalled several past interactions with the king, including moments of spiritual fellowship and mutual counsel, which he said reflected the monarch’s deep commitment to faith and service.
“When we came here, you asked that we pray,” Ese Gam said. “That was also the way of my father, who would always pray before and after doing anything. Each time I see Your Majesty in church—singing and dancing from the heart—I am reminded of King David, who communed with God and was much loved for it.”
The UPU President General expressed gratitude to the Okobaro for his constant support and guidance, noting that the Union continues to hold the traditional institutions of Urhobo land in high esteem.
“Whenever people say the UPU is first among equals with the Forum of Traditional Rulers, I remind them that the kings come first,” he said. “In Urhobo, we were raised to honour our monarchs. I remain conscious of that order wherever I go.”
Chief Ese Gam also used the visit to present a copy of the newly revised UPU Constitution to the Okobaro. The updated document, he said, corrects long-standing omissions in the 2005 version, formally recognizing the roles of women and youth in the Union’s structure.
“The women’s wing, led by Dame Chief Rose Oghene, now has branches in every kingdom, engaging the queens to strengthen unity,” he explained. “Likewise, our youth arm led by Activist Blessed Ughere is now active across Urhobo land. These efforts are designed to make the UPU more inclusive and effective.”
On the Okuama issue, the President General clarified that the UPU had taken a legal and coordinated approach. “When people ask what the UPU is doing, I tell them we are not lame ducks,” he said. “We took the matter to court because the law remains our best path to justice.”
He further hinted at plans for the renovation of the UPU House at Uvwiamuge, describing it as a project of pride that all Urhobo people should collectively undertake rather than wait for government intervention.
Concluding, Chief Ese Gam formally sought the royal blessing of the Okobaro for a second term in office, promising to consolidate on the reforms and unity-building efforts already in motion. “Our constitution allows for a second term,” he said. “We have come to Ughievwen, to seek your blessing and support, so we can continue the work and do even more.”
The Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, visibly moved by the address, not only prayed for Chief Ese Gam Owe but also called for a standing ovation in his honour, rising first to lead his council and guests in a moment of applause that filled the palace.
Responding, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Matthew Egbi, commended Chief Ese Gam Owe for his humility, respect for tradition, and visible reforms within the UPU. He particularly praised the renewed vigour under his leadership, describing him as a forward-looking leader who understands the times.
The Okobaro, however, charged the UPU to urgently form a committee to engage Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on the renovation of the UPU House, calling it a matter of ethnic pride.
“We are not talking about bridges; we are talking about a house,” he said. “Each time I pass the Isoko House in Asaba, I shake my head. They have three buildings, yet they have never produced a governor. If our governor does not attend to the UPU House, I will hold you responsible. You must act now and press him to do it.”
The monarch also announced that Ughievwen Kingdom would give its full support to Chief Ese Gam Owe and pledged the votes of twenty delegates for his re-election. “In line with your commitment to Urhobo progress, we will vote for you,” he affirmed.
The meeting ended on a note of mutual respect and renewed determination to strengthen Urhobo unity.
Among those who accompanied Chief Ese Gam Owe were Chief Abel Opuidi, Barr. Omuvwie, Dame Chief Rose Oghene, Olorogun Dr. Samson Gordons Okomitie JP, Chief Uduaran Josephine and Activist Blessed Ughere, , and other members of the UPU executive.