By Precious Otete
The momentum behind the aspiration of Chief Simeon Akpovwoghokohwo Ohwofa for the position of President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) received a major boost at the weekend as two key institutions from the Uwheru Kingdom publicly expressed confidence in his capacity to reposition the apex Urhobo socio-cultural body.
In separate endorsements, the Odion r’Ode-in-Council Chiefs of Uwheru Kingdom and the Uwheru Community Association, Lagos State (UCAL) praised Chief Ohwofa’s long-standing contributions to the development of Uwheru Kingdom and the wider Urhobo Nation.
Speaking on behalf of the Odion r’Ode-in-Council Chiefs, Chief (Dr.) Tom Otutu Inihweri, Chairman of the Council, described Chief Ohwofa as “a steady, accessible and culturally grounded leader whose decades of service to his people speak louder than any campaign slogan.”
Chief Inihweri noted that the Uwheru traditional leadership carefully reviewed the profiles of all aspirants before arriving at what he called “a sincere and united decision.”
According to him, “Chief Simeon Ohwofa has consistently shown commitment to the peace and progress of Uwheru Kingdom and the Urhobo Nation. His support for the youths, the women’s groups, the elders, and the cultural bodies is well known. He has sponsored Uwheru delegates to UPU events, supported the Ewheya and Ighele groups, donated relief materials during crises, and championed scholarship programmes for our indigent students.”
He added that Chief Ohwofa’s donations to community development, including his recent N5 million contribution to the Ultra-Modern Uwheru House project in Ikorodu, Lagos “reflect the heart of a man who is always willing to give back.”
Chief Inihweri also praised Chief Ohwofa’s calm temperament and listening leadership style, saying these qualities are needed at a time when the UPU requires unity, direction and renewed credibility.
Similarly, in Lagos, the Uwheru Community Association, Lagos State (UCAL) expressed its own endorsement of Chief Ohwofa’s candidacy.
The President-General of UCAL, Chief Goodnews Uyerekogho, said the decision was reached after consulting widely among Uwheru indigenes living in Lagos and examining the track record of each aspirant.
“Chief Ohwofa is one of the few leaders who does not wait for titles before serving his people,” Chief Uyerekogho said. “His accessibility, humility and readiness to listen make him a natural bridge-builder. We in Lagos know his value because he has supported our community for years, both in times of celebration and in times of need.”
Chief Uyerekogho highlighted Chief Ohwofa’s role in providing scholarships, youth empowerment, employment facilitation, welfare support and crisis relief materials. He added that his commitment to the construction of the Uwheru House in Ikorodu is “a clear demonstration of his love for community cohesion.”
The Odion R’Ode-in-Council Chiefs and UCAL described Chief Ohwofa as a unifying figure capable of restoring dignity, boldness and renewed vision to the UPU, which many Urhobo stakeholders believe needs stronger leadership to address cultural, social and political challenges facing the ethnic nation.
The support expressed by the two bodies also extended beyond Ohwofa himself to the full MUGA (Make Urhobo Great Again) team, which also includes Dr Benson Uwheru, a prominent Uwheru son.
Both groups described the team as a well-balanced assembly of professionals, community workers and experienced administrators with the capacity to drive reforms within the UPU.
They highlighted the team’s combined experience in education, youth development, peacebuilding, security engagement, diaspora relations and inter-kingdom diplomacy. Members of the team were praised for their clean public records, their discipline, their inter-kingdom relationships and their readiness to introduce fresh energy into the union.
Chief Inihweri stressed that Urhobo can no longer afford weak, hesitant or divided leadership at a time when other major ethnic groups are consolidating their political and cultural positions in Nigeria. He said it was time for the UPU to regain its confidence and assume its rightful place as a defender of Urhobo interests across all 24 kingdoms. Chief Uyerekogho added that the Urhobo political class also stands to benefit from a strong and credible UPU, noting that leaders who have the support of a vibrant union are better placed to negotiate politically, mobilise followership and command respect within and outside Delta State.
Both bodies appealed to delegates across Urhoboland to vote according to conscience and the collective good of the ethnic nation. They cautioned against any form of interference or pressure that may undermine the integrity of the Congress, insisting that the future of Urhobo is too important to be shaped by sentiment or external influence. According to them, this election should reflect the wishes of the people, not the preferences of those seeking to predetermine the outcome.
They concluded that Chief Simeon Ohwofa and the MUGA team represent a credible and forward-looking option capable of restoring stability, unity and honour to the UPU. Supporting them, they said, is a path toward a more purposeful Urhobo Nation, one deserving of its heritage and capable of reclaiming its voice within Nigeria and beyond.
