A prominent Urhobo women’s group based in Frankfurt Am Main, State of Hessen, Germany, under the aegis of “Ukọ kọ R’e Eguono R’e Iya Ruẹ Urhobo,” has passed a vote of no confidence in the Chief Ese Gam-led Urhobo Progress Union (UPU Worldwide), describing its leadership as “incompetent and morally bankrupt.”
The group accused the current UPU Executive of bringing the Urhobo nation into disrepute and insisted that it has no moral right to seek re-election after what it called “a disastrous tenure marked by failure and silence in moments of national embarrassment.”
In a statement issued and signed by its President, Mrs Joan Ogheneruemu Scheil, the group lamented that the Urhobo nation “has never had it this bad,” noting that the union’s present leadership has reduced Urhobo’s influence to its lowest ebb since the founding of the UPU in 1931.
“Looking at the poor performance of the current executive, our forebears would be turning in their graves. Urhobo people are known for courage, hard work, and excellence across all spheres—politics, business, and academia—but this leadership has failed to uphold those values,” Scheil said.
She accused the current administration of lacking strategic direction and political relevance, arguing that “in the past three years of Chief Ese Gam’s leadership, the fortunes and influence of the Urhobo nation within Delta State and Nigeria have dwindled abysmally.”
The group cited the UPU’s alleged silence during critical moments such as the Okuama crisis and the Warri South violence, which led to the attack on the UPU headquarters, describing these as clear signs of weak and compromised leadership. “The only visible achievement of this executive,” the group added, “is the ceremonial sharing of kola nuts and empty rhetoric, while Urhobo’s collective dignity suffers.”
Consequently, the Frankfurt-based women’s association announced that it has passed a vote of no confidence on the Ese Gam-led UPU Executive, calling on all well-meaning Urhobos at home and abroad to unite and rally behind more credible and visionary candidates ahead of the next UPU election.
The statement Reads: “Looking at the poor leadership of the current UPU executive, our forebears would be turning in their graves. The Urhobo people are known for their courage, hard work, and excellence. We have made remarkable contributions in every sphere of human endeavor — economically, politically, and otherwise — both nationally and globally.”
“In the past three years under the leadership of Chief Ese Gam, the fortunes and influence of the Urhobo Nation within Delta State and Nigeria have declined to an embarrassing low. This is due to a lack of vision and purpose. The only visible achievements of this administration are the ceremonial sharing of kola nuts and the humiliation of the Urhobo Nation through its silence during critical moments — such as the Okuama crisis, the Warri South crisis, and the attack on the UPU headquarters at Warri.”
“Given this below-average performance, we, the members of ‘Ukọ kọ R’e Eguono R’e Iya Ruẹ Urhobo,’ have passed a vote of no confidence on the current UPU executive. We call on all well-meaning Urhobos to rally behind credible and capable candidates who truly represent the aspirations and values of our people.”
The group further appealed to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to put Urhobo first by aligning with the overwhelming desire of the people for change.
“We also appeal to our amiable Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to put Urhobo first and do what is right by supporting the overwhelming majority of Urhobos who desire change, having lost faith in the capacity of the present UPU leadership to steer the Urhobo Nation at this critical moment in our history.
“This is a defining moment for Urhobo unity and progress,” Scheil stressed. “We must restore the integrity of the UPU and reposition our nation for respect, pride, and influence once again.”