Delta 2023: OYC Vows To Support Party That Presents Okpe Guber Candidate

By Daniel Dafe

Okpe youths under the umbrella body of Okpe Youths Council, OYC, have said that they will support any party in Delta State that presents an Okpe indigene for the governorship contest, come 2023.

A statement on Friday signed by Comr Israel Ejiro Otomewo, President General and Comr Samuel Okakuro Ekpo, Secretary General, added that the Urhobo slogan that reads “URHOBO OVUOVO” must be upheld now or never.

According to the statement, “Okpe Kingdom is the largest Kingdom in Delta State with two exclusive local government namely Sapele and Okpe local government area governed customary by one King HRM Orhue 1, CFR Mni, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.”

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OYC continued: “Okpe Kingdom formed a critical and indispensable part of Urhobo Nation. Okpe Kingdom, from history is the epicenter of the great Urhobo people. Recall, our great leader of blessed memory Chief Umukoro Mowoe and other Urhobo leaders clearly sort for the support of Okpe Kingdom led by our legendary leader of blessed memory Chief Ayomanor Ewhida in the formation of Urhobo Progress Union that just celebrated her 90th Anniversary recently and the first meeting that led to the birthed of UPU was held in Orerokpe (The Ancestral Home of the Okpe People) chaired by great Chief Ayomanor Ewhida.”

The statement said that “since Independence in 1960, four Urhobos have held the mantle of leadership of Governor from the era of the defunct Midwest Region to the present Delta State.”

Adding: “They are, His Excellency Jereton Mariere, His Excellency David Ejoor, His Excellency Felix Ibru and His Excellency James Ibori. These four Urhobo leaders that have mounted the highly exalted office of the Governor from the defunct Midwest Region to the present Delta State are either from Ethiope East/Ethiope West or Ughelli North and South/Udu federal constituency.”

“From history, Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie federal constituency has never produce the Governor at any time. Therefore in the spirit of oneness, unity, equity and justice, we once again admonishes Urhobo leaders to support the Candidacy of Okakuro Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for Governor come 2023 in order to promote unity and oneness in Urhobo land,” the statement said.