Olorogun Barr.Ese Gam Owe
By Samuel Ogude
Olorogun Barr.Ese Gam Owe has emerged President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide in elections of 94th Elective Congress of the Urhobo apex socio- cultural body.
The election which was conducted at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge–Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State saw Olorogun Barr. Owe garnering 432 votes which gave him landslide victory over his sole contender, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, who polled 178 votes.
The election which observers described as one of the freest and fairest in the history of the body was said to be orderly which – reflects the collective desire to have stable, renewed vision and purposeful leadership of the apex socio-cultural organization. The election which saw the presence of the delegates from all 24 kingdoms of Urhoboland reaffirmed the values of unity, identity, and collective progress that defined Urhobo nation as a unique people. The Congress also helped to reaffirmed the democratic system which the body is known for over the years.
The Urhobo apex socio- cultural body used the occasion to ratify the National Executive Council (NEC) members to pilot the affairs of the body and they are: Chief Barr. Isaacs Itebu – 1st Vice President-General, Chief Abel Onowenoni Opuidi – 2nd Vice President-General, Chief Dr. Peter Oriavwote – 3rd Vice President-General, Barr. David Akporokiamu Esiekpe – National Secretary-General, and Amb. Chief Samuel Onoriode Oghotomo – Assistant National Secretary. Others were: Dr. Kehinde Prince Taiga – National Publicity Secretary, Olorogun (Hon.) Josephine Oduarhan – Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Olorogun Eunice Daji Okoh – National Treasurer, Chief Asite Avwiorayire Simon – National Financial Secretary,
Olorogun Samson Gordons Okomite – Assistant National Financial Secretary, Chief Barr. Emmanuel Omovie – National Legal Adviser, Barr. Andrew Ovuefeye Ubido – Assistant National Legal Adviser, and Chief Atiti Augustine Ogheneovo (Ph.D.) – National Auditor.
The Congress believes that the officers so elected are capable of bringing about renewed energy and strategic leadership to the Union’s policies and programmes which will give room for unity and development of the people. In his acceptance speech, Olorogun Barr. Ese Gam Owe reaffirmed his commitment to bring about the needed unity, love, togetherness and growth to Urhobo nation. According to him,new era of leadership would prioritize unity across all Urhobo kingdoms, cultural preservation, youth’s empowerment, economic advancement, and stronger political engagement to secure Urhobo’s interests at the State in particular and national levels at large.
The new President General also appreciated his contender, Chief Simeon Ohwofa for his sportsman and his contributions to the UPU’s democratic tradition just as he pledged to run an inclusive administration that would welcome ideas, foster dialogue, and place the collective interest of Urhobo Nation above personal or factional considerations. Investigation revealed that the delegates from various kingdoms commended the Election Committee for its transparency in co-ordination, fairness, integrity and due process during the election.
The programme which observers said, recorded impressive turnout and active participation of delegates, was attended by prominent sons and daughters of Urhobo land who include the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,who was represented by his Senior Political Adviser, Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo. Others include: Sen. Ede Dafinone, Senator representing Delta Central, HRM Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue I (Rtd), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers (Ukoko r’Ivie Urhobo) among others.
Highlight of the programme which was done for 3-days was cultural dance exhibition by various cultural dance troupes drawn from across the 24 kingdoms of Urhoboland to showcase the rich, colourful and diversity of Urhobo cultural heritage and others. This was followed by Thanksgiving Service to the glory of God.