UPIO: Dafinone, Waive, Etuwewe, Shabba Bag Integrity Awards

By Ambrose Ologide

Senator Ede Dafinone, Reverend Honourable Francis Waive , Barrister Ama Etuwewe and Assistant Commissioner of Police ( ACP ) Aliu Shabba have bagged Urhobo Peoples Integrity Organization ( UPIO) ‘ s integrity awards.

The four distinguished Nigerians were given the awards by foremost Urhobo socio- political group at an impressive event in Ekpan , Uvwie Local Government Area on Monday 22nd December, 2025.

The National President of UPIO, Olorogun Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu, in his keynote address during the occasion, explained that the trio of Okakuro Ede Dafinone, senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, the House of Representative member representing Ughelli/ Udu Federal Constituency, Reverend Francis Waive and Itsekiri born lawyer, Ama Etuwewe ( SAN ) were honoured with the awards for their roles in the release of HRM Clement Ikolo, the Ovie (traditional ruler) of Ewu – Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government from military detention during the infamous Okuama/ Okoloba crisis, adding that the Police Area Commander of Effurun Police Area Command, ACP Aliu Shabba was honoured for his feats so far recorded as a police officer.

Okorodudu who is the Executive Director, Project, DESOPADEC had earlier appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor James Ibori and the President General, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide , Chief Ese Gam Owe, a lawyer for their various roles in the release of the traditional ruler from the said military detention.

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The President General of UPU Worldwide, Olorogun Ese Gam Owe, in his brief speech at the very impressive event, hailed UPIO for the gesture, as he noted that awards to non-indigenes showed the good neighborliness of the Urhobos to other ethnic groups, just as he lauded Ama Etuwewe for showing interest in the release of an Urhobo monarch from military detention.

The awardees in their separate speeches lauded and appreciated UPIO for the award, as they promised that it will spur them to do more .

Senator Dafinone was represented by Adelabu Bodjo, a lawyer, while Reverend Waive was represented by Chief Bunor Agbomedarho.

HRM Clement Ikolo, the Ovie of Ewu – Urhobo Kingdom was present at the occasion.