Okpe Union Leader Critiques Monarchs Over Election Endorsement

Prof Igho Natufe, the President General of the Okpe Union Worldwide, condemned Delta monarchs for endorsing Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori as the sole candidate of the Urhobo Nation for the 2027 governorship election. He urged Okpe nationals to vote based on their conscience.

Natufe criticized the participation of HRM Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, in the Forum of Urhobo Traditional Rulers, Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, where the endorsement occurred. He argued that the forum's endorsement contradicted its claim of being apolitical, stating that such actions mock the concept of apolitical.

Natufe warned that the monarchs' involvement in partisan politics could tarnish their traditional institutions. He also expressed concern that the Orodje's participation undermined the distinct identity of the Okpe ethnic group, which he noted has unique historical and cultural roots.

Natufe referenced a statement from the Orodje affirming Okpe's distinctiveness and criticized the endorsement's implications for the Okpe Kingdom's autonomy.