…Urge Urhobo To Make History And Not To Follow History
By Esada Uyono,
Notable Urhobo indigens has advocated for unity, accountability, and a renewed commitment to Urhobo identity as the Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance UEPA was formally inaugurated on Friday, November 21, at the Wetland Hotel, Ughelli.
Cross section of participants at the UEPA Inauguration
The ceremony had retinue of Urhobo journalists, traditional leaders, and political representatives.
Speaking at the event, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, urged Urhobo media professionals to wield their influence with responsibility and purpose.
Dafinone, who was represented by Hon. Mercy Okiemute Orhierhor Lance, described the press as “one of the strongest pillars of democracy” and challenged practitioners to elevate the Urhobo narrative through a truthful, balanced, and culturally grounded reporting.
“You are the watchdogs of society, the voice of the voiceless, and the bridge between the people and their leaders,” he said.
Dr. Obire Odiakpo, guest speaker at the event
While reaffirming his commitment t to serve th Urhobo nation with all sincerity, he pledged to work closely with the Urhobo Editors and Publishers Forum (UEPA) and encouraged members to serve as a unifying force in Urhoboland.
“Let this gathering chart a clear vision for integrity, unity, and progress. Let it strengthen the voice of the Urhobo nation — a voice of truth and pride.”
Hon. Mercy Okiemute Orhierhor Lance, Representative of Senator Dafinone delivering her address
On his part, Olorogun Christopher Obiuwevbi Ominimini, Ph.D, delivered one of the most arresting speeches as he mounted the podium by thanking and praising the formation of the Alliance, but confronted what he called the “Self-inflicted wounds” which is holding the Urhobo nation back.
“It is a shame that we do not have someone we can confidently call an Urhobo leader,” he declared, accusing those in authority who fail to uplift the Urhobo nation of “foolishness.” Ominimini lamented that despite the presence of oil wells, flow stations, and vast energy assets across Urhobo land, the people remain shut out of major decision-making circles.
From Right, Comrades Mathias Ogbagah,John Oghojafor Esq.,&Frederick Umuerure
“These resources are enough to make Urhobo a great nation, yet our people are nowhere to be found,” he said, blaming internal rivalries and political gatekeeping for the stagnation. He urged the Alliance to be fearless in scrutinizing leaders and institutions.
“Government money belongs to everyone. Community money belongs to everyone. If you are not ready to serve, stay away from the office,” he warned.
His confidence in the calibre of professionals present, he added, was a sign that the group could restore dignity and discipline to public discourse.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Obire Odiakpo, Ph.D, broadened the discussion by drawing attention to the live realities of failed leadership — poor roads, dilapidated schools, and underfunded hospitals. He argued that cultural erosion, especially the abandonment of the Urhobo language, has deepened communal fractures.
“Other ethnic groups embrace their language with pride, but we the Urhobo’s discard ours at the slightest opportunity.”
According to him, the media must build ‘Shrines of Urhobo honour,’ platforms that preserve identity, history, and collective memory. “Urhobos should not follow history — we should make history.”
Chairman of the occasion, Olorogun Chris Obiuwevbi, Ph.D addressing the house
Earlier, Comrade Fredrick Umuerure, UEPA Chairman described the body as a product of necessity — a movement born from the slow fading of the Urhobo voice in national conversations. He vowed that the Alliance would work closely with traditional institutions, political actors, and local communities to reclaim the narrative and promote stories that accurately reflect Urhobo resilience and aspirations.
The event, attended by editors, publishers, journalists, council chairmen, cultural leaders, and representatives of the Delta State Government, closed with a renewed sense of duty. By the time the final remarks were given, one message had risen above all others:
Barr. John Oghojafor giving a vote of thanks
“If Urhobo does not tell its own story, someone else will — and not always truthfully.”
