Destruction Of Urhobo Cultural Center Signpost: Urhobo Youths Issue 14-Day Ultimatum For Tidi To Reinstate It

By Sunday Apah

The Urhobo Youths Leaders Association, in collaboration with the Urhobo Progress Union Youth Wing Worldwide, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Dr. Michael Tidi, and his cohorts who allegedly destroyed the signpost at the Urhobo Cultural Center along Okere road, Otovwodo, Agbarha-Ame Kingdom, to reinstate the signpost and tender an unreserved apology to the UPU.

In an open letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and signed on behalf of the two groups by Olorogun Samuel Oghotomo, President of UYLA; Chief Augustine Atiti, Secretary General; Activist Ughere Blessed, President of UPU Youth Wing Worldwide; and Omiragua Ogheneji Oghenegweke, Secretary General of UPU Youth Wing Worldwide, they stated that the letter was intended to draw attention of the governor to the alarming actions of Tidi.

They noted in the letter, dated 31st January 2024, that they had been reliably informed that Dr. Tidi deliberately destroyed the signpost at the historic Urhobo House, a symbol of their heritage and unity.

According to the statement, “the Urhobo House, located at Otovwodo town, Agbarha-Ame Kingdom, Warri South Local Government Area, has stood as a beacon of our culture and identity for decades, long before Dr. Tidi was born on 15th September 1980.

“We are deeply troubled by recent actions that appear to be aimed at erasing the Urhobo presence in Warri, especially in the aftermath of his loss in the PDP Primary of Warri South Constituency II House of Assembly election.

“Furthermore, we are concerned by reports that Dr. Michael Tidi, the chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, boasted about his actions and expressed impunity while destroying the signpost.

“We urge His Excellency to intervene and appeal to Dr. Michael Tidi and his Itsekiri associates to desist from their vindictive actions against the Urhobo people in Warri.

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“Dr. Tidi’s recent destructive acts, including the demolition of three signposts at Urhobo House in Okere-road, Agbarha-Ame Kingdom, and the reported manhandling of those who questioned his actions by soldiers allegedly in his employ, are deeply troubling. Additionally, we have received reports of his purported threat to further damage the Urhobo House.

“His reckless actions not only jeopardize the heritage and identity of the Urhobo people but also pose a risk of escalating ethnic tensions in the state.

“We urge His Excellency to compel Dr. Tidi to reinstate the signposts within the next 14 days and to issue an apology to the UPU. If this does not occur, we will not hesitate to pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that Dr. Tidi is held accountable for his actions.

“We trust in your commitment to justice and peace for all ethnic groups in the state, and we fervently hope for your swift and decisive action in this matter,” it added.