I came across this article a while ago, the urhobo people seem to be heavily marginalizing their neighbouring okpe tribe and have sought to assimilate them while forcing their ethnic identity on them


[b]Note of concern “if for instance, a new Niger Delta Republic is founded (or South South region is created from restructuring of Nigeria) and Isoko, Itsekiri and Ukuani are some of the created states or provinces, while Okpe in included in an Urhobo State or province, how will you feel? Remember states are not meant to be equal in population or land size. Will you feel you have made progress or that you have mortgaged the destiny of your children and children’s children? Today, whereas, Isoko, Ukuani, Itsekiri, Ika, Aniocha and other students in Delta State higher institutions access bursaries and scholarships as recognized groups by the Delta State Government and DESOPADEC, the National Association of Okpe Students which was founded before most of the others, has always been denied access to some facilities. They are directed to go and meet the National Association of Urhobo Students.

It is by reason of all these and many other negative consequences of the mishandling of the Okpe identity that prompted the then most senior Okakuro of Okpe, the late Chief P.A. Gbinigie, who was member of House of Representatives (Okpe South Constituency) in the second republic, the Okpagha of Okpe Kingdom, to move a motion for Okpe to withdraw from the political union with Urhobo in the 2000 Okpe National Conference which held in Orerokpe39cb Many notable Okpe leaders were present at the conference which was declared open by the transited Orodje of Okpe, Orhoro 1. Chief D.O. Dafinone, the Owhere of Okpe was he who amended the motion to reflect that the union with Urhobo should be reassessed so that the terms would be clearly spelt out. The above is a demonstration of the fact that at no time in the history of the relationship between Okpe and Urhobo have Okpe people declared that they are Urhobo as a tribe or ethnic nationality. In any case, only the Udogun-Okpe or the Okpe Assembly which comprises the Udogun together with representatives of the Okpe clans or districts, presided over by the Orodje of Okpe or a regent chairman that can take such a decision. It is clear from the National Conference that Okpe has been using the term “OKPE NATION” for ages.

In his keynote address to the 3rd Edition of this convention held in September, 2007 in Maryland, MD., USA, titled “Tradition and Governance in Okpe Kingdom”, Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe had this to say among other assertions; “…the Okpe people are reputed to be the best organized ethnic nationality for administration and governance within its immediate geo-political area, second only to the Bini Kingdom…” The forefathers of the Okpe people have brought up their children as people of a distinct ethnic nationality. They have expressions that describe their immediate tribes or ethnic nationalities. Ijaw people are “Ihwo”; Itsekiris are “Irhobo”; Bini people are “Aka”; while Urhobo people are “Isieho”. When an Urhobo person speaks, the Okpe person describes him as speaking Isieho. This expression also describes the Urhobo person.

It is therefore regrettable that of recent, the propaganda is increasing to force it down the throat of the Okpe man that Okpe is Urhobo for all intents and purposes. Some highly placed personalities in Okpe are dancing along because of position and other personal benefits. But according to Dr. Igho Natufe40 “…the falsity of subsuming Okpe under Urhobo can break neither the spirit nor the national identity of the Okpe”. Dr. Charles Osume, the Executive Director of the Institute of Okpe Studies, Orerokpe, Delta State, in the concluding part of his book “The Okpe People”41 prayed: “…almighty God to deliver the Okpe from the hands of petty, selfish, and unprogressive leaders. May God deliver Okpe from the hands of oppressors and may He give the Okpe good leaders who are noble and who truly love the progress and advancement of the Okpe”. We all say Amen to this prayer.

A Word to Our Urhobo Brothers

The Okpes and Urhobos have accepted themselves as brothers for more than a century. The Okpes have been appreciative of the symbiotic relations between these two inseparable ethnic brothers. The first Urhobo and Okpe leaders of the golden era of the UPU and the OKPE UNION managed their affairs cordially. The Okpe Union advised Okpe nationals where they do not find an Okpe Union branch, to join UPU. But where there exists an Okpe Union branch, the Okpe Union branch cooperates with the UPU and joined UPU activities corporately and not as individual Okpe persons joining UPU. Gradually, however, some Urhobos who preferred a fusion or assimilation and not a union were not satisfied with the status quo. This influenced the gradual classification at federal and state levels of Okpe as Urhobo. Whereas, the Isokos fought this and won, the Okpes valued the brotherhood and therefore did not follow that step.

We call on all our Urhobo brothers to recognize that in the present circumstances of Delta State and Nigeria, to claim or support the purported position that Okpe is Urhobo does not even benefit Urhobo. It reduces the resources available to Urhobo and Okpe brothers. During zoning and sharing of slots, the Urhobo commonwealth which includes Okpe, loses out because both Urhobo and Okpe would have to share what gets to Urhobo. But if Okpe which is bigger than Isoko or Itsekiri gets its share as a separate ethnic nation, there would be more to share to the various 23 clans of Urhobo, while there will be some commensurate dividends to the 12 clans of Okpe Kingdom and nation. It is when there is justice and fairness that brothers can truly be brothers. According to Professor Obaro Ikime42, “the Isokos were just asking for recognition as a separate ethnicity or tribe. But the attitude of the Urhobos to obliterate the Isoko identity pushed them to the wall” (emphasis mine). There is a way the issue could have been handled with mutual respect and the three brother ethnic nations of Urhobo would continue to feel inseparable and thus work for a common political destiny. It is not still late. It requires a new approach. Maybe practical examples will make the benefit clearer. If federal and state slots come based on ethnic nationality, rather than for Okpe to share in the quantum of slots for Urhobo; it will have hers separately and the 23 Urhobo clans will have a better number to go round. Okpe will have its slots for her 12 clans or districts.

Many Urhobos and other peoples in Delta State and Nigeria obviously do not know the vastness of the Okpe nation. I repeat my earlier explanation to make it clearer. As Ughelli Township has both Ughelli and Ogor kingdoms; so also Sapele Township has both Sapele and Amukpe clans (now called Dukedoms). The Sapele Local Government Area has 5 dukedoms while Okpe Local Government has 7 dukedoms each headed by Ukaro-Orodjes (Dukes). As noted earlier, Mereje and Elume dukedoms or clans are each as large as some LGAs of Delta State today. Each of the Okpe clans, dukedoms or districts have several towns and villages. Many of them are bigger than most of the 23 clans or kingdoms of Urhobo. It is important for our Urhobo brothers to understand this.

The point I am trying to make above is that even if Urhobo even wins the battle of squeezing Okpe under herself, it will by so doing lose the war of development and political ascendancy. To succeed in dominating an ethnic nationality, does not mean success in getting them to act or vote in a particular direction. It is strategic partnership that ensures that. The following will therefore make the Okpe nation feel that sense of fraternity to continue to be part of the Urhobo socio political nation.



Support for the recognition of Okpe as a separate ethnic nationality within the Urhobo socio political union. This will enable Okpe people to retain their identity and the status which Isoko, Itsekiri, Ukuani and others have and thus be entitled to the allocation of resources per ethnic unit; while at the same time working with their Urhobo brothers for strategic partnership.
For Okpe to fully and comfortably participate in UPU activities, the UPU Constitution should recognize the twelve clans(now thirteen) of Okpe as cultural units for purpose of representation rather than the unsustainable one out of twenty four that some are peddling
Support for policies that will promote the growth and sustenance of the Okpe language. Thus, meetings of the Urhobo were Okpe is involved should involve interpreters since the two (2) languages are quite different. This also includes preparation for the use of the Okpe language for church service throughout Okpeland where practicable.
Justice and fairness to the Okpe people in the affairs of Urhobo political union should be ensured. For instance, the zoning or rotation of governorship and senatorial positions should be designed to reflect inclusiveness and brotherhood.
The youths of both ethnic nationalities that make up the socio political union should be assisted to live and act together as the closest peoples on earth. The National Association of Okpe Students for example which has continually complained of exclusion on the basis of non recognition as separate ethnic nationality students for processing bursary, scholarship and DESOPADEC empowerment should be allowed their proper status in the committee of students of different ethnic nationalities. Similarly, Okpe Youth Organizations should be recognized to access slots due to youths of other ethnic nationalities.
Thinking that a policy of assimilation, or fusion coupled with undue pressure, blackmail and offer of goodies or positions to those who would sell out their birthrights will make the Okpe man forego his identity, is wishful thinking. It will make Urhobo lose the war of true unity, development, and political ascendancy. Instead of brothers blackmailing or backbiting brothers, they should sit down to ask each other what they actually want. The bond becomes stronger thereby.

May God bless and protect the Orodje of Okpe. May God bless and protect us all. Amen!

Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.

General Secretary, Okpe Union

26th May, 2017.



Okpe Kingdom: A Peep Into History, Culture, Politics
By UCHE OKWURUMGBE
Delta is one unique state that apart from its major five ethnic groups, have smaller dialects and cultures which are also in existence and have become a conglomeration of what we know today as Delta State.
The Urhobo ethnic group, one of the major groups has its own cluster towns and dialects which are a part of its identity today and today’s interest is in one of them, the Okpe People. Okpe people constitute the largest clan of the ethnic group of Delta State. Okpe land is geographically surrounded by five local governments, which are, Warri South, Uvwie, Ughelli North, Ethiope East and Ethiope West Local Governments. Emphasis on human and natural resources is one of the dominant traditions in Okpe culture: abundant food harvest, wives, children and money. There are traditions or dominant themes in Okpe historical culture. These include Okpe as land of opportunity for immigrant labour, particularly agricultural labour (palm produce and rubber). The culture places emphasis on individual self reliance as well as calls for individual courage and diligence for all who work hard.
Okpe people are blessed with expansive land, generously endowed in natural resources-agricultural and mineral resources, historically a land of economic and civil opportunity for all races. The foregoing description simply sets the stage for Okpe’s historic self –perception.
According to oral traditions Okpe people. The decent and migration of Okpe predecessors moved up to an unspecified location in the present Benin kingdom. According to authorities in Okpe history, The tradition claims that the Okpe people are descendants of ancient ruler in Ile-Ife, thus they, like the Binis and other Edo-speaking people came from Ile-Ife.
The Okpe people are said to have settled first settled own in a place called Okpe-Isoko (Okpesiri) in Isoko South Local Government Area. The man Okpe died and left behind four children namely: Orhue, Ororho, Evbreke and Esezi. They stayed for a while in Okpe –Isoko, but later migrated to the present Okpe land due to congestion or war.[/b]

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https://okpeunionamerica.org/message-to-urhobo-brothers/

Darfay what do you hope to gain Exhuming a thread that dates back to 2016, and posting it on Nairaland Of all places, for people who are neither okpe's or urhobos to deliberate on? I mean, if you think this issue is worth deliberating (which i doubt it is), why dont you take a copy of this summation and post it on any of the urhobo peoples or okpe forums on facebook for proper, indepth debates? why must you wash your dirty linen outside for saboteurs to prey on? are you not a saboteur yourself?

The tradition claims that the Okpe people are descendants of ancient ruler in Ile-Ife, thus they, like the Binis and other Edo-speaking people came from Ile-Ife.

I stopped reading when I saw this.

God punish who ever wrote that, no Benin comes from ile ife.

Igbosmoker:
I stopped reading when I saw this.

God punish who ever wrote that, no Benin comes from ile ife.

every human being came from Ile Ife!.

Mystiquefia:
Darfay what do you hope to gain by rooting out a thread that dates back to 2016 on Nairaland Of all places, for people who are neither okpe's or urhobos to deliberate on? I mean, if you think this issue is worth deliberating (which i doubt), why dont you take a copy of this summation and post it on any of the urhobo peoples or okpe forums on facebook for proper, indepth debates? why must you wash your dirty linen outside for saboteurs to prey on? are you not a saboteur yourself?

That's true from what you said

From the above writeup, the writer is misled okpe came from ile ife likewisd benin is the o. P not stupid

We have addressed the issue that benin coming from ife was a political stunt and this o. P is repeating such propaganda, tells everything abkut is writeup is fake

Mystiquefia:
Darfay what do you hope to gain Exhuming a thread that dates back to 2016, and posting it on Nairaland Of all places, for people who are neither okpe's or urhobos to deliberate on? I mean, if you think this issue is worth deliberating (which i doubt it is), why dont you take a copy of this summation and post it on any of the urhobo peoples or okpe forums on facebook for proper, indepth debates? why must you wash your dirty linen outside for saboteurs to prey on? are you not a saboteur yourself?

Right from day one, Okpe has always been considered a kingdom making up the Urhobo nation. The supreme council of the okpe people, the Udogun-Okpe which is the only body that is competent to speak on behalf of the Okpe people has said several times that Okpe is part and parcel of the great Urhobo nation. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/on-okpe-are-not-urhobo/

On the talk of marginalization, the speaker, Delta State house of Assembly is Sheriff Oborevwori, an Urhobo man from Okpe, what political marginalization is he referring to?

As someone from a sister tribe, this shouldn't be coming from his end.

Efewestern:


Right from day one, Okpe has always been considered a kingdom making up the Urhobo nation. The supreme council of the okpe people, the Udogun-Okpe which is the only body that is competent to speak on behalf of the Okpe people has said several times that Okpe is part and parcel of the great Urhobo nation. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/on-okpe-are-not-urhobo/

On the talk of marginalization, the speaker, Delta State house of Assembly is Sheriff Oborevwori, an Urhobo man from Okpe, what political marginalization is he referring to?

As someone from a sister tribe, this shouldn't be coming from his end.

I have no ill intentions. The article (even though its a little old) principally spoke on marginalisation of the okpe people and admitted that they themselves have a divided stand on their ethnicity. I only wanted okpe people on Nairaland and other urhobo people to shed more light on the highlighted issues.

darfay:



I have no ill intentions. The article (even though its a little old) principally spoke on marginalisation of the okpe people and admitted that they themselves have a divided stand on their ethnicity. I only wanted okpe people on Nairaland and other urhobo people to shed more light on the highlighted issues.

The talk of marginalization doesn't hold water, Okpe has the same privileges every clan has, the next governor might probably come from that axis, Urhobo land is big, so should we really expect everyone to occupy same position all at once?

Only few okpe indigenes have this identity crisis, which we have trashed severally fb forums, there are so many Okpe communities that speak general Urhobo dialect as their first language and identity with the Urhobo tag.

darfay:



I have no ill intentions. The article (even though its a little old) principally spoke on marginalisation of the okpe people and admitted that they themselves have a divided stand on their ethnicity. I only wanted okpe people on Nairaland and other urhobo people to shed more light on the highlighted issues.

What your convictions are about the topic, which informed your resolve to post a divisive thread like this on a toxic forum like nairaland that reeks of tribal bigotry is what matters. As an urhobo son, if your intention was for okpes and all urhobos to do justice to this topic, by supplying you with indepth analysis then u ought to have patronised UPU Or okpe forums on facebook because
1. The population of urhobos on nairaland is very minute as evidenced in your thread not being attended to
2. your thread may become hijacked by people who have no connections whatsoever with urhobo and okpe & want to see us fail even if attended to by some of us here

3. If you come to nairaland to champion a divisive thread like this, how then do you hope to foster peace and unity between all the tribes that make up urhobo ethnic group?

I Happen to come both from Oviri Okpe and orogun of okpe local government delta state and my family lineage used to be custodians of deities in okpeland until it terminated at my grandfathers resolve to foray into christianity. My forefathers were so famous that history has it that the oba of benin disguised into other personality's to see for himself if rumours about their powers were true. infact my great grandfather was so powerful that he died standing & only fell down when a boy was led to go through his under. Dis is how powerful & popular my ancestors were in okpe kingdom. Now, 4 Akpederin whose faction of okpe peoples union is unpopular and moribund & family unknown to come out & spew those gibberish above makes me think he is insane. If okpe is not urhobo then who are the urhobos? is he saying every tribe that makes up...

That makes up the urhobo ethnic group are free come out and denounce urhoboness? wouldn't that be a bad precedence for others to follow suit?
just imagine if other sister tribes from uvwie, udu, ughelli etc start coming out to denounce being urhobo just because of greed from a politically divided mindset, whom would foster the urhobo project? i mean, even delta north tribes are now united under the aegis "anioma" so what is the problem of Akpedirin and his ilks? We all migrated from benin at some point and the term urhobo came to be used by a group of people who settled in what is now delta state because we share thesame cultural similarities and have adopted a general language which is the urhobo language. No tribe is more urhobo than the other. Akpedirin speaks from a political perspective just like the isokos who used to be urhobos at some point. urhobo is an identity that belongs to us all and not exclusively for a few.
Cc Efewestern

If people like Akpediri Wants us to believe okpe's are not urhobos then they should
1 The orodje of okpe should stop identifying as a first class urhobo king
2. All Okpe's should pull out from UPU and have nothing to do with leadership positions of urhobo forums
3. All Okpe's should stop attaching themselves to urhobo and desist from using the urhobo language for communications.
4. See Themselves as a different ethnic group just like the itsekiri, ijaw and co, with no sisterhood or brotherhood attachments.
If they can fulfill these requirements then we are cool.

Imagine Telling someone like Prince Godwin Edjinyere, Hon James Aguoye, Or Hon Oborevwori Sheriff That they are not urhobos when they know they may not get the support of other urhobo tribes kom 2023 gubernatorial elections if okpe becomes decentralized from urhobo, Akpedirin Sef Will Not See The Light Of The Day

Lmao
Efewestern

Mystiquefia:
That makes up the urhobo ethnic group are free come out and denounce urhoboness? wouldn't that be a bad precedence for others to follow suit?
just imagine if other sister tribes from uvwie, udu, ughelli etc start coming out to denounce being urhobo just because of greed from a politically divided mindset, whom would foster the urhobo project? i mean, even delta north tribes are now united under the aegis "anioma" so what is the problem of Akpedirin and his ilks? We all migrated from benin at some point and the term urhobo came to be used by a group of people who settled in what is now delta state because we share thesame cultural similarities and have adopted a general language which is the urhobo language. No tribe is more urhobo than the other. Akpedirin speaks from a political perspective just like the isokos who used to be urhobos at some point. urhobo is an identity that belongs to us all and not exclusively for a few.
Cc Efewestern

The likes of Akpedirin are just delusional, they do not in any way speak for the okpe people neither are they relevant in the scheme of things, till date the appropriate authorities in Okpe haven't said anything similar to this.

@Bolded, how are they fairing now? The people they share the same senatorial district with are seriously dealing with them.

Efewestern:


The talk of marginalization doesn't hold water, Okpe has the same privileges every clan has, the next governor might probably come from that axis, Urhobo land is big, so should we really expect everyone to occupy same position all at once?

Only few okpe indigenes have this identity crisis, which we have trashed severally fb forums, there are so many Okpe communities that speak general Urhobo dialect as their first language and identity with the Urhobo tag.

Migwo...... Please I need an answer to this question.... Is okpe a language on its own or a dialect of urhobo? Is it mutually intelligible to urhobos?.. Do most okpe indigenes speak okpe or urhobo? Or dem don turn pidgin to their language?.. Thank you Bros

Mystiquefia:
If people like Akpediri Wants us to believe okpe's are not urhobos then they should
1 The orodje of okpe should stop identifying as a first class urhobo king
2. All Okpe's should pull out from UPU and have nothing to do with leadership positions of urhobo forums
3. All Okpe's should stop attaching themselves to urhobo and desist from using the urhobo language for communications.
4. See Themselves as a different ethnic group just like the itsekiri, ijaw and co, with no sisterhood or brotherhood attachments.
If they can fulfill these requirements then we are cool.

Imagine Telling someone like Prince Godwin Edjinyere, Hon James Aguoye, Or Hon Oborevwori Sheriff That they are not urhobos when they know they may not get the support of other urhobo tribes kom 2023 gubernatorial elections if okpe becomes decentralized from urhobo, Akpedirin Sef Will Not See The Light Of The Day

Lmao
Efewestern

Migwo...... Please I need an answer to this question.... Is okpe a language on its own or a dialect of urhobo? Is it mutually intelligible to urhobos?.. Do most okpe indigenes speak okpe or urhobo? Or dem don turn pidgin to their language?.. Thank you Bros

babyfaceafrica:


Migwo...... Please I need an answer to this question.... Is okpe a language on its own or a dialect of urhobo? Is it mutually intelligible to urhobos?.. Do most okpe indigenes speak okpe or urhobo? Or dem don turn pidgin to their language?.. Thank you Bros

G.M sir.

Okpe is a dialect of Urhobo and to some extent it is mutually intelligible , most Uvwie speakers easily understand okpe, but It is somehow complex for central Urhobo speakers.

Majority of okpe indigenes speak both the general Urhobo dialect and the Okpe dialect, Some okpe towns like Oha, Orerokpe, Osubi, Sapele etc speak the general Urhobo dialect, but core Okpe towns like Ughoton, Jeddo, Ugbokodo etc speak the core Okpe dialect, every town in Delta state speak pidgin.

Efewestern:


G.M sir.

Okpe is a dialect of Urhobo and to some extent it is mutually, most Uvwie speakers easily understand okpe, but It is somehow complex for central Urhobo speakers.

Majority of okpe indigenes speak both the general Urhobo dialect and the Okpe dialect, Some okpe towns like Oha, Orerokpe, Osubi, Sapele etc speak the general Urhobo dialect, but core Okpe towns like Ughoton, Jeddo, Ugbokodo etc speak the core Okpe dialect, every town in Delta state speak pidgin.

Thank you very much

Mystiquefia:
Darfay what do you hope to gain Exhuming a thread that dates back to 2016, and posting it on Nairaland Of all places, for people who are neither okpe's or urhobos to deliberate on? I mean, if you think this issue is worth deliberating (which i doubt it is), why dont you take a copy of this summation and post it on any of the urhobo peoples or okpe forums on facebook for proper, indepth debates? why must you wash your dirty linen outside for saboteurs to prey on? are you not a saboteur yourself?

But Urhobo persons and the rest of Nigeria has been doing this for Anioma vs Igbo and Ikwerre vs Igbo, where you all debate to your satisfaction whie bashing the Igbo.

If this thread was an Igbo one , It would be in front page by now or atleast politics section.

Many people are well aware of Okpe long time yearning for independence from Urhobo, just as we know of Nembe long time demand for independence from Izon/Ijaw.
We have friends from these parts and we know whats up. We are just not house breakers, we let you lots solve your internal issues yourselves.

darfay:

I came across this article a while ago, the urhobo people seem to be heavily marginalizing their neighbouring okpe tribe and have sought to assimilate them while forcing their ethnic identity on them


[b]Note of concern “if for instance, a new Niger Delta Republic is founded (or South South region is created from restructuring of Nigeria) and Isoko, Itsekiri and Ukuani are some of the created states or provinces, while Okpe in included in an Urhobo State or province, how will you feel? Remember states are not meant to be equal in population or land size. Will you feel you have made progress or that you have mortgaged the destiny of your children and children’s children? Today, whereas, Isoko, Ukuani, Itsekiri, Ika, Aniocha and other students in Delta State higher institutions access bursaries and scholarships as recognized groups by the Delta State Government and DESOPADEC, the National Association of Okpe Students which was founded before most of the others, has always been denied access to some facilities. They are directed to go and meet the National Association of Urhobo Students.

It is by reason of all these and many other negative consequences of the mishandling of the Okpe identity that prompted the then most senior Okakuro of Okpe, the late Chief P.A. Gbinigie, who was member of House of Representatives (Okpe South Constituency) in the second republic, the Okpagha of Okpe Kingdom, to move a motion for Okpe to withdraw from the political union with Urhobo in the 2000 Okpe National Conference which held in Orerokpe39cb Many notable Okpe leaders were present at the conference which was declared open by the transited Orodje of Okpe, Orhoro 1. Chief D.O. Dafinone, the Owhere of Okpe was he who amended the motion to reflect that the union with Urhobo should be reassessed so that the terms would be clearly spelt out. The above is a demonstration of the fact that at no time in the history of the relationship between Okpe and Urhobo have Okpe people declared that they are Urhobo as a tribe or ethnic nationality. In any case, only the Udogun-Okpe or the Okpe Assembly which comprises the Udogun together with representatives of the Okpe clans or districts, presided over by the Orodje of Okpe or a regent chairman that can take such a decision. It is clear from the National Conference that Okpe has been using the term “OKPE NATION” for ages.

In his keynote address to the 3rd Edition of this convention held in September, 2007 in Maryland, MD., USA, titled “Tradition and Governance in Okpe Kingdom”, Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe had this to say among other assertions; “…the Okpe people are reputed to be the best organized ethnic nationality for administration and governance within its immediate geo-political area, second only to the Bini Kingdom…” The forefathers of the Okpe people have brought up their children as people of a distinct ethnic nationality. They have expressions that describe their immediate tribes or ethnic nationalities. Ijaw people are “Ihwo”; Itsekiris are “Irhobo”; Bini people are “Aka”; while Urhobo people are “Isieho”. When an Urhobo person speaks, the Okpe person describes him as speaking Isieho. This expression also describes the Urhobo person.

It is therefore regrettable that of recent, the propaganda is increasing to force it down the throat of the Okpe man that Okpe is Urhobo for all intents and purposes. Some highly placed personalities in Okpe are dancing along because of position and other personal benefits. But according to Dr. Igho Natufe40 “…the falsity of subsuming Okpe under Urhobo can break neither the spirit nor the national identity of the Okpe”. Dr. Charles Osume, the Executive Director of the Institute of Okpe Studies, Orerokpe, Delta State, in the concluding part of his book “The Okpe People”41 prayed: “…almighty God to deliver the Okpe from the hands of petty, selfish, and unprogressive leaders. May God deliver Okpe from the hands of oppressors and may He give the Okpe good leaders who are noble and who truly love the progress and advancement of the Okpe”. We all say Amen to this prayer.

A Word to Our Urhobo Brothers

The Okpes and Urhobos have accepted themselves as brothers for more than a century. The Okpes have been appreciative of the symbiotic relations between these two inseparable ethnic brothers. The first Urhobo and Okpe leaders of the golden era of the UPU and the OKPE UNION managed their affairs cordially. The Okpe Union advised Okpe nationals where they do not find an Okpe Union branch, to join UPU. But where there exists an Okpe Union branch, the Okpe Union branch cooperates with the UPU and joined UPU activities corporately and not as individual Okpe persons joining UPU. Gradually, however, some Urhobos who preferred a fusion or assimilation and not a union were not satisfied with the status quo. This influenced the gradual classification at federal and state levels of Okpe as Urhobo. Whereas, the Isokos fought this and won, the Okpes valued the brotherhood and therefore did not follow that step.

We call on all our Urhobo brothers to recognize that in the present circumstances of Delta State and Nigeria, to claim or support the purported position that Okpe is Urhobo does not even benefit Urhobo. It reduces the resources available to Urhobo and Okpe brothers. During zoning and sharing of slots, the Urhobo commonwealth which includes Okpe, loses out because both Urhobo and Okpe would have to share what gets to Urhobo. But if Okpe which is bigger than Isoko or Itsekiri gets its share as a separate ethnic nation, there would be more to share to the various 23 clans of Urhobo, while there will be some commensurate dividends to the 12 clans of Okpe Kingdom and nation. It is when there is justice and fairness that brothers can truly be brothers. According to Professor Obaro Ikime42, “the Isokos were just asking for recognition as a separate ethnicity or tribe. But the attitude of the Urhobos to obliterate the Isoko identity pushed them to the wall” (emphasis mine). There is a way the issue could have been handled with mutual respect and the three brother ethnic nations of Urhobo would continue to feel inseparable and thus work for a common political destiny. It is not still late. It requires a new approach. Maybe practical examples will make the benefit clearer. If federal and state slots come based on ethnic nationality, rather than for Okpe to share in the quantum of slots for Urhobo; it will have hers separately and the 23 Urhobo clans will have a better number to go round. Okpe will have its slots for her 12 clans or districts.

Many Urhobos and other peoples in Delta State and Nigeria obviously do not know the vastness of the Okpe nation. I repeat my earlier explanation to make it clearer. As Ughelli Township has both Ughelli and Ogor kingdoms; so also Sapele Township has both Sapele and Amukpe clans (now called Dukedoms). The Sapele Local Government Area has 5 dukedoms while Okpe Local Government has 7 dukedoms each headed by Ukaro-Orodjes (Dukes). As noted earlier, Mereje and Elume dukedoms or clans are each as large as some LGAs of Delta State today. Each of the Okpe clans, dukedoms or districts have several towns and villages. Many of them are bigger than most of the 23 clans or kingdoms of Urhobo. It is important for our Urhobo brothers to understand this.

The point I am trying to make above is that even if Urhobo even wins the battle of squeezing Okpe under herself, it will by so doing lose the war of development and political ascendancy. To succeed in dominating an ethnic nationality, does not mean success in getting them to act or vote in a particular direction. It is strategic partnership that ensures that. The following will therefore make the Okpe nation feel that sense of fraternity to continue to be part of the Urhobo socio political nation.



Support for the recognition of Okpe as a separate ethnic nationality within the Urhobo socio political union. This will enable Okpe people to retain their identity and the status which Isoko, Itsekiri, Ukuani and others have and thus be entitled to the allocation of resources per ethnic unit; while at the same time working with their Urhobo brothers for strategic partnership.
For Okpe to fully and comfortably participate in UPU activities, the UPU Constitution should recognize the twelve clans(now thirteen) of Okpe as cultural units for purpose of representation rather than the unsustainable one out of twenty four that some are peddling
Support for policies that will promote the growth and sustenance of the Okpe language. Thus, meetings of the Urhobo were Okpe is involved should involve interpreters since the two (2) languages are quite different. This also includes preparation for the use of the Okpe language for church service throughout Okpeland where practicable.
Justice and fairness to the Okpe people in the affairs of Urhobo political union should be ensured. For instance, the zoning or rotation of governorship and senatorial positions should be designed to reflect inclusiveness and brotherhood.
The youths of both ethnic nationalities that make up the socio political union should be assisted to live and act together as the closest peoples on earth. The National Association of Okpe Students for example which has continually complained of exclusion on the basis of non recognition as separate ethnic nationality students for processing bursary, scholarship and DESOPADEC empowerment should be allowed their proper status in the committee of students of different ethnic nationalities. Similarly, Okpe Youth Organizations should be recognized to access slots due to youths of other ethnic nationalities.
Thinking that a policy of assimilation, or fusion coupled with undue pressure, blackmail and offer of goodies or positions to those who would sell out their birthrights will make the Okpe man forego his identity, is wishful thinking. It will make Urhobo lose the war of true unity, development, and political ascendancy. Instead of brothers blackmailing or backbiting brothers, they should sit down to ask each other what they actually want. The bond becomes stronger thereby.

May God bless and protect the Orodje of Okpe. May God bless and protect us all. Amen!

Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.

General Secretary, Okpe Union

26th May, 2017.



Okpe Kingdom: A Peep Into History, Culture, Politics
By UCHE OKWURUMGBE
Delta is one unique state that apart from its major five ethnic groups, have smaller dialects and cultures which are also in existence and have become a conglomeration of what we know today as Delta State.
The Urhobo ethnic group, one of the major groups has its own cluster towns and dialects which are a part of its identity today and today’s interest is in one of them, the Okpe People. Okpe people constitute the largest clan of the ethnic group of Delta State. Okpe land is geographically surrounded by five local governments, which are, Warri South, Uvwie, Ughelli North, Ethiope East and Ethiope West Local Governments. Emphasis on human and natural resources is one of the dominant traditions in Okpe culture: abundant food harvest, wives, children and money. There are traditions or dominant themes in Okpe historical culture. These include Okpe as land of opportunity for immigrant labour, particularly agricultural labour (palm produce and rubber). The culture places emphasis on individual self reliance as well as calls for individual courage and diligence for all who work hard.
Okpe people are blessed with expansive land, generously endowed in natural resources-agricultural and mineral resources, historically a land of economic and civil opportunity for all races. The foregoing description simply sets the stage for Okpe’s historic self –perception.
According to oral traditions Okpe people. The decent and migration of Okpe predecessors moved up to an unspecified location in the present Benin kingdom. According to authorities in Okpe history, The tradition claims that the Okpe people are descendants of ancient ruler in Ile-Ife, thus they, like the Binis and other Edo-speaking people came from Ile-Ife.
The Okpe people are said to have settled first settled own in a place called Okpe-Isoko (Okpesiri) in Isoko South Local Government Area. The man Okpe died and left behind four children namely: Orhue, Ororho, Evbreke and Esezi. They stayed for a while in Okpe –Isoko, but later migrated to the present Okpe land due to congestion or war.[/b]

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https://okpeunionamerica.org/message-to-urhobo-brothers/

If we are to allow every fraction break because of
Reasons even the smallest unit called family will still end up breaking, instead of coming out to form okpe out of urhobo why not unite and resolve the issue politically

Am watching how this breakup will help the urhobo people


Delata igbo and itsekiri go just they continue una
While una they one corner they break up

Mumu tribe

Am talking as a benin man because i dey vex for una, here in benin we think say na urhobo people get delta state we nor know say them even they count una join self for were itesekiri and delta igbo they....


Make una get sense......

Las las na itsekiri gocwin governorship next year
Ogboru self don tiya for una

Efewestern:


The likes of Akpedirin are just delusional, they do not in any way speak for the okpe people neither are they relevant in the scheme of things, till date the appropriate authorities in Okpe haven't said anything similar to this.

@Bolded, how are they fairing now? The people they share the same senatorial district with are seriously dealing with them.

Your last paragraph get as e b

gregyboy:



If we are to allow every fraction break because of
Reasons even the smallest unit called family will still end up breaking, instead of coming out to form okpe out of urhobo why not unite and resolve the issue politically

Am watching how this breakup will help the urhobo people
Delata igbo and itsekiri go just they continue una
While una they one corner they break up
Mumu tribe
Am talking as a benin man because i dey vex for una, here in benin we think say na urhobo people get delta state we nor know say them even they count una join self for were itesekiri and delta igbo they....
Make una get sense......
Las las na itsekiri gocwin governorship next year
Ogboru self don tiya for una

Lolz, Oga if you've been following delta state politics closely you'll know urhobos call the shots. The idea of power rotation was conceived by urhobos in PDP to avoid shrill cries of marginalization by other senatorial districts and for inclusivess.

Igboid:


But Urhobo persons and the rest of Nigeria has been doing this for Anioma vs Igbo and Ikwerre vs Igbo, where you all debate to your satisfaction whie bashing the Igbo.

If this thread was an Igbo one , It would be in front page by now or atleast politics section.

I am an urhoboman from oviri okpe of okpe local government delta state. As an urhoboman, apart from the fact that i happen to share thesame state with the aniomas, i don't have any other relationship with them and have no reason whatsoever to engage in anioma/igbo debates because it's a family discussion. I know notible urhobo monikers on nairaland and they do not engage igbo/anioma discussions too because we simply dont care. Any body identifying as urhobo on nairaland and still has time to discuss such frivolities, doesn't know where the shoe pinches and is a disgrace. The only time we'd have to jump on any igbo topic is one involving biafra, because our territories are being encrouched.

darfay:



Your last paragraph get as e b

I dont have any bad blood with the resolve of isokos to be on their own. but i sure say you sef know say if to say isokos nor komot from urhobo them no born james manager well for am to remain as senator since 1999. and come to think of it, isoko for don produce governor for delta south or maybe na them for produce the next governor for delta south. but ijaw no go let them get any breathing space for there because na them plenty pass. after okowas 3yrs rule, add am join delta central 8yrs rule, plus ijaw 8yrs rule and another anioma 8yrs rule, another delta central 8yrs rule before isoko go fit produce governor. & that is in 35yrs time, if the ibori uduaghan drama no play out again, else na 56yrs tym.
Not to talk about house of rep zonings and maybe delta state speaker positions which when zoned to delta south maynt favor isokos. i do not have any bad blood for isokos and i wish them the very best, just stating my observations.

Mystiquefia:


I dont have any bad blood with the resolve of isokos to be on their own. but i sure say you sef know say if to say isokos nor komot from urhobo them no born james manager well for am to remain as senator since 1999. and come to think of it, isoko for don produce governor for delta south or maybe na them for produce the next governor for delta south. but ijaw no go let them get any breathing space for there because na them plenty pass. after okowas 3yrs rule, add am join delta central 8yrs rule, plus ijaw 8yrs rule and another anioma 8yrs rule, another delta central 8yrs rule before isoko go fit produce governor. & that is in 35yrs time, if the ibori uduaghan drama no play out again, else na 56yrs tym.
Not to talk about house of rep zonings and maybe delta state speaker positions which when zoned to delta south maynt favor isokos. i do not have any bad blood for isokos and i wish them the very best, just stating my observations.

Isoko produced the first senator in 1999. I think it's because the isoko and urhobo people do not have a very strong political figure to rally their people

I attached a screenshot of the political strength of the 25 Local governments of Delta state. The 2 isoko local government has a slightly higher electoral strength than the three core ijaw local government. Urhobo in warri south can rally round an Isoko candidate so absolute numbers we can take it. The ijaw are into heavy rigging, voter turn out is always over 90%

The Urhobos have the highest political strength very superior to the Anioma people, you guys can monopolize the state like Tivs and ikwerre of benue and Rivers respectively. I know most of the local government are populated by outsiders by they are still mostly Hinterland Urhobos. The redelineation of wards in warri south has given Urhobos an upper hand. You people are supposed to be the power brokers in the state

Mystiquefia:


I am an urhoboman from oviri okpe of okpe local government delta state. As an urhoboman, apart from the fact that i happen to share thesame state with the aniomas, i don't have any other relationship with them and have no reason whatsoever to engage in anioma/igbo debates because it's a family discussion. I know notible urhobo monikers on nairaland and they do not engage igbo/anioma discussions too because we simply dont care. Any body identifying as urhobo on nairaland and still has time to discuss such frivolities, doesn't know where the shoe pinches and is a disgrace. The only time we'd have to jump on any igbo topic is one involving biafra, because our territories are being encrouched.

Urhobo wado!!!!

Ko ko ko ogbare!!!

Urhobo eeeeh...

darfay:



Isoko produced the first senator in 1999. I think it's because the isoko and urhobo people do not have a very strong political figure to rally their people

I attached a screenshot of the political strength of the 25 Local governments of Delta state. The 2 isoko local government has a slightly higher electoral strength than the three core ijaw local government. Urhobo in warri south can rally round an Isoko candidate so absolute numbers we can take it. The ijaw are into heavy rigging, voter turn out is always over 90%

The Urhobos have the highest political strength very superior to the Anioma people, you guys can monopolize the state like Tivs and ikwerre of benue and Rivers respectively. I know most of the local government are populated by outsiders by they are still mostly Hinterland Urhobos. The redelineation of wards in warri south has given Urhobos an upper hand. You people are supposed to be the power brokers in the state

Urhobo don't have the population to dominate Delta state. They outnumber Anioma but only barely.
Also don't forget that the migrant Igbo factor is going to be factor in Delta as years go by. More and more Igbos from SE are migrating to Asaba, Okpanam and environment to live and work, in time, it would work to Anioma advantage like its working to Ikwerre advantage in Rivers state.

Igboid:


Urhobo don't have the population to dominate Delta state. They outnumber Anioma but only barely.
Also don't forget that the migrant Igbo factor is going to be factor in Delta as years go by. More and more Igbos from SE are migrating to Asaba, Okpanam and environment to live and work, in time, it would work to Anioma advantage like its working to Ikwerre advantage in Rivers state.

Look at the stats below urhobo Local governments and isoko has by faar the most electorate
Urhobo and Isoko has about 47% of the total vote while Anioma has 27%. The rest for itsekiri and ijaw and it is almost impossible for them to align with Anioma
Population growth rate is higher in urhobo area than Anioma
Look at the stats below from inec

darfay:



Look at the stats below urhobo Local governments and isoko has by faar the most electorate
Urhobo and Isoko has about 47% of the total vote while Anioma has 27%. The rest for itsekiri and ijaw and it is almost impossible for them to align with Anioma
Population growth rate is higher in urhobo area than Anioma
Look at the stats below from inec

I'm looking at the total population of Delta LGAs using 2006 census.
Maybe there is under registration in Voters card in Anioma areas.

Igboid:


I'm looking at the total population of Delta LGAs using 2006 census.
Maybe there is under registration in Voters card in Anioma areas.

Loooooool

I'm talking of electorate not phantom population. Ughelli North alone is more than Aniocha nation

darfay:




Loooooool

I'm talking of electorate not phantom population. Ughelli North alone is more than Aniocha nation

Nothing like phantom population. Kids grow up.
The figures of those Voters registration you posted is in total contrast to 2006 population figures for each of the LGAs. I doubt it's credibility.
Either that or there was voters under registration in Anioma areas.

Igboid:

Nothing like phantom population. Kids grow up.
The figures of those Voters registration you posted is in total contrast to 2006 population figures for each of the LGAs. I doubt it's credibility.
Either that or there was voters under registration in Anioma areas.

What you should doubt is the 2006 census. My local government was third most populous now we are in 9th place and yet you don't see me complaining

Those are numbers of registered voters in Delta State and by 2023 the urhobo would have grown marginally higher than Anioma again

The figures are those of people with electoral power in Delta state and 47% of them are in urhobo and isoko land without even adding warri south. Just give it up
There are sizeable number of Isoko people in ndokwa East