UHS President Tasks Urhobo On Unity, Culture And Protection Of Historical Heritage

The President of the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS), Dr. Aruegodore Oyiborhoro, has tasked the Urhobo nation on unity, culture and protection of historical to heritage.

Oyiborhoro made the call during the 14th Conference of the Urhobo Historical Society, held from July 24 to 25, 2026, at Delta Hotels by Marriott Bexleyheath, London, United Kingdom.

He said the conference provided an opportunity for Urhobos across the world to reflect on their history, culture and identity, while renewing their commitment to preserving their heritage for future generations.

Oyiborhoro also appealed to international human rights organisations, global leaders and advocates of justice to urgently intervene in the situation in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, particularly over the alleged prolonged detention and suffering of community leaders and residents.

In a communique issued after the conference, he described the gathering as a homecoming and recalled that the Urhobo Historical Society was established by a group of Urhobo intellectuals in New York City in 1999 to promote and protect the history, culture and interests of the Urhobo people.

He said the Society, from its headquarters at Okpara Inland, had continued to serve as an important institution for documenting Urhobo history, including the people’s migrations, kingdoms, struggles, achievements and cultural traditions.

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The conference featured the launch of The Warri Crises, the eighth monograph of the Society. Oyiborhoro paid tribute to the late Professor Peter Palmer Ekeh, the Society’s founding president, as well as Professor Omokore Mudiaga Odje, Professor Francis Odemerho and Chief Peter Obukowho Essi for their contributions to the Society’s intellectual and cultural legacy.

He called for stronger support for Urhobo scholarship through research, publications and academic programmes, as well as the digitisation of historical archives to make Urhobo history accessible globally.

The UHS president also advocated the promotion of the Urhobo language through schools, digital applications and community programmes, while urging greater engagement with Urhobos in the diaspora and increased investment in cultural institutions.

According to him, urbanisation, globalisation, generational gaps and digital misinformation pose serious challenges to the preservation of Urhobo heritage, but these challenges can be overcome through deliberate and collective action.

Oyiborhoro described the Urhobo diaspora as a major strength of the people, saying Urhobos living abroad could help preserve the language and culture, amplify Urhobo voices globally and create opportunities for knowledge exchange, investment and innovation.

He said the conference was more than an academic gathering, but an opportunity for Urhobos to remember who they are, where they came from and what they must preserve for generations yet unborn.

He stressed that Urhobo history should be regarded as a living force that continues to shape the people’s language, governance traditions, economic ingenuity, artistic heritage and collective identity.

Oyiborhoro said the Society’s latest publication, The Warri Crises, was part of its response to distorted historical narratives, adding that documented truth remained essential to preserving the history of the Urhobo people.

On the situation in Okuama, the UHS president said the community had cried out for justice following the March 2024 crisis, which began as a communal land dispute and later escalated into a major confrontation involving the Nigerian military, resulting in the deaths of soldiers.

He alleged that the subsequent military reprisal operation led to the destruction of homes, livelihoods, schools and other critical infrastructure, forcing many families to flee the community and leaving residents displaced and without adequate assistance.

Oyiborhoro said children had also been severely affected, with many deprived of stable access to education following the destruction of school facilities, while displaced families continued to face difficult living conditions.

He expressed concern over the continued detention of several Okuama community leaders and called for their immediate release, insisting that their fundamental rights and due process must be respected. Those mentioned include Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, President-General of the community; Chief Belvis Adogbo; James Oghoroko; Dennis Okugbaye; Dennis Malaka; and Mabel Owhemu.

He also cited the reported death of Pa James Oghoroko in military custody and the release of Pa Dennis Okugbaye after he reportedly became critically ill while in detention. He called on relevant authorities and international bodies to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.

The UHS president urged the Nigerian government and relevant institutions to provide meaningful support for displaced Okuama families, address concerns surrounding detained community leaders and work towards restoring the community, saying the people of Okuama deserved justice and dignity.

The conference also highlighted the need to preserve Urhobo governance traditions, including age-grade systems and the Ovie institution, as well as the people’s economic, artistic and cultural heritage.

Oyiborhoro called on Urhobo elders, scholars and cultural custodians to continue documenting the history of the people, while urging younger generations to embrace their identity and participate actively in preserving Urhobo heritage.

The event featured the presentation of awards to distinguished Urhobo sons and daughters for their contributions to humanity, education, women empowerment, community development and the advancement of Urhobo culture.

Award recipients included Prof. Ajovi Scott-Emuakpor, Ezekiel N. Science Award; Prof. Joseph Inikori, M.G. Ejaife Education Service Award; Olorogun (Mrs.) Grace Emonigho-Aghoghovbia, Alice Obahor Outstanding Women Award; Mr. Ekahwo Orogun, Distinguished Urhobo Young People Award; His Royal Majesty Simpson Obruche, Odio r’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom, UHS Lifetime Service Award; Chief Anthony O. Oghoghorie, UHS Distinguished Service Award; Mrs. Beatrice Inikori, UHS Service Award; and Chief (Mrs.) Ochuko Essi, UHS Service Award.

The conference attracted prominent personalities, including the immediate past President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Taiga; Odio r’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom, HRH S.S. Obruche; Ovie of Umiaghwa Abraka, Rtd. Air Force Vice Marshal HRH Ochuko Ararile; Prof. Ajovi Scott-Emuakpor; Dr. John Ejaife; Chief (Dr.) Efeotor; Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Rebecca Efeotor; Chief Ejiro Ughwujabo, immediate past President of UPU, United Kingdom; and Hon. Rev. Francis Waive, member of the Federal House of Representatives, among others.

The 14th UHS Conference concluded with renewed calls for unity among Urhobos worldwide, stronger preservation of Urhobo history and culture, increased support for scholarship and cultural institutions, and urgent international attention to the humanitarian and human rights concerns raised over the situation in Okuama.