Uwheru Wado!
Distinguished Chiefs Wado!
Please see below the final draft for your perusal and further comments. With your approval, I would now send it to Vanguard Newspaper, which would in turn send it to their legal department for vetting. The vetted copy would be sent to us, and if we agree with it, it can then be published.
Miyeri.
June 2, 2026
AN URGENT APPEAL TO CALL OLOROGUN JARO EGBO, CHAIRMAN OF UGHELLI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TO ORDER OVER THE ALLEGED INTIMIDATION OF HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, AJUWE SIMPSON SAPELE OBRUCHE 11, ODION R’ODE OF UWHERU KINGDOM, AND TO UPHOLD THE COLLECTIVE WILL OF THE UWHERU PEOPLE.
His Excellency,
Rt Hon. Elder Sheriff F O. Oborevwori,
Executive Governor,
Delta State
Your Excellency, Sir,
The Odion r’Ode-in-Council Chiefs of Uwheru Kingdom respectfully extend warm congratulations to Your Excellency on the successful celebration of your third anniversary in office as Executive Governor of Delta State and on your emergence as the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Governorship Election.
We also wish to place on record our appreciation of Your Excellency’s demonstrated commitment to peace, security, development, and your consistent respect for traditional institutions across Delta State. It is because of our confidence in your sense of justice, fairness, and leadership that we are compelled to bring the following matter to your urgent attention.
THE TENSION IN UWHERU KINGDOM
There is currently tension in the Uwheru Kingdom, which did not arise from any dispute between the Kingdom and the Delta State Government.
Rather, it arose following the unilateral announcement by the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, purporting to reinstate one Chief MacPherson Igbedi whose suspension by the Uwheru People, as President-General of the Uwheru Development Union (UDU), he had endorsed and followed with his own suspension order.
The reinstatement announcement came as a shock and surprise to the people of Uwheru Kingdom as there was no prior consultation to lift the suspension by, and with, the Odion r’Ode of Uwheru, Uwheru Traditional Council, community leaders, or relevant stakeholders and Uwheru people. Nor is there proof to show that the various allegations levelled against Chief Macpherson Igbedi have been properly addressed, officially and otherwise.
The Uwheru Kingdom, speaking with one united voice through its communities, leaders, stakeholders, elders, women, youths, and opinion leaders, immediately rejected the purported reinstatement.
And as Odion R” Ode
Council Chiefs we hereby restate clearly, firmly, and unequivocally that the purported reinstatement does not reflect the wishes, position, or collective resolve of the Uwheru people and is therefore unacceptable.
It is important to mention that the Odion r’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom, HRM Simpson Sapele Obruche, Obruche 11, did not originate this position. His only offence, if it may be so described, is to stand on the side of truth, fair play and accountability to the people. He has always advocated that the collective decision of the Uwheru people should be respected after extensive consultations and deliberations by stakeholders across the Kingdom.
Unfortunately, it is our considered view that it is this insistence by His Royal Majesty’s that has made him the subject of sustained, verbal attacks, intimidation and pressure
*INTIMIDATION OF THE ODION R’ODE*
Your Excellency, our greatest concern is not even the issue of Chief MacPherson Igbedi itself. Our greatest concern is the growing pattern of intimidation directed at the Odion r’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom.
We consider this development disturbing because the Odion r’Ode is not only the traditional head of the Kingdom but also a revered elder statesman who is approaching one hundred (100) years of age.
Over the past months, Uwheru Stakeholders have received repeated reports of troubling statements attributed to the Ughelli North Local Government Chairman, suggesting possible actions against the traditional institution of Uwheru Kingdom.
Particularly, troubling among these are:
*Statements concerning the withdrawal of the King’s official vehicle, graciously presented to His Royal Majesty by Your Excellency have been brought to the attention of the Council Chiefs. A recording relating to this statement is available, wherein our Monarch was derogatorily referred to as “dat una King.”
*Statements suggesting possible actions that will affect the status and recognition of the Odion r’Ode.
*Statements which have generated fear and anxiety among the people of Uwheru Kingdom and have been interpreted as attempts to pressure the traditional institution into abandoning the collective position of the Kingdom.
Of particular concern was an incident on Friday, May 30, 2026, when a female guest, who is an indigene of Uwheru reportedly encountered the Local Government Chairman at a social function. It was reported that the Uwheru woman was allegedly told by the Local Government Chairman that action would be taken against the Odion r’Ode, and his Staff of Office would be withdrawn. The woman immediately contacted His Royal Majesty, who was at that time holding a meeting with the Odion r’Ode-in-Council Chiefs.
This call and report of the latest round of intimidation, visibly affected the Monarch and heightened the concern of the Council regarding the emotional impact of these recurring developments on a man of such advanced age. It is one major reason for writing this urgent open letter and appeal for intervention, without prejudice to any ongoing efforts by some persons and the traditional institution to intervene in the matter. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the palace, we saw, first hand, the effect of these intimidations on a Monarch, who wondered loudly why truth, fairness and justice have become scarce in Nigeria.
Does anyone, particularly a soon-to-be Centenarian, who chooses to abide by the cultural, religious and traditional expectations of the monarchy as custodian of the culture and traditions of the Kingdom, and the grave moral and social responsibility to maintain peace and order that the Staff of Office placed upon him deserve to be so burdened?
HEALTH CONCERNS
Your Excellency, before these developments, the Odion r’Ode in Council Chiefs had already advised His Royal Majesty to reduce participation in prolonged meetings, rigorous activities, and frequent public outings in line with medical advice
However, following the reports and statements concerning the official vehicle presented to him by Your Excellency, and to shield the Monarch from any possibility of embarrassment, humiliation, or emotional distress at any meeting to be held at the Local Government Secretariat, the Odion R:Ode Council Chiefs found it necessary to advise His Royal Majesty to suspend attendance at certain meetings and instead send duly designated representatives.
This decision was not taken out of disrespect for any authority but out of genuine concern for the well-being, dignity, and health of a revered monarch who has devoted his life to public service and community development.
*WHY UWHERU PEOPLE LOST CONFIDENCE IN CHIEF MACPHERSON IGBEDI*
Your Excellency, it is important to emphasise that Chief MacPherson Igbedi was not suspended from office on the basis of personal disagreements.
He was suspended following concerns raised by stakeholders across the Kingdom relating to:
*Abuse of office.
*Lack of transparency in the allocation of employment opportunities meant for Uwheru youths.
*Alleged nepotism in the selection process for job slots.
*Poor communication and exclusion of the community from critical decisions.
*Alleged unauthorised disposal of construction materials belonging to the community.
*Alleged recruitment of people outside the Kingdom to do jobs at the site of a project in the Uwheru Kingdom, ignoring Uwheru Youths
*Other issues touching on accountability and leadership conduct.
The Kingdom duly constituted a committee to investigate the allegations.
It is unfortunate that throughout the three-month period of the investigation, all efforts by the Committee to obtain Chief MacPherson Igbedi’s response and hear his side of the matter were rebuffed, as he maintained that he was not answerable to anyone.
Notwithstanding this refusal, the Committee diligently carried out its assignment and presented its report at an enlarged meeting of the Uwheru People at the Palace.
After an exhaustive review of the Committee’s report by representatives of the five quarters of Uwheru Kingdom and other relevant stakeholders, they unanimously concluded that the continued stay of Chief MacPherson Igbedi as President-General was no longer healthy for the peace, unity, and stability of Uwheru Kingdom.
This position represents the collective wish of the Kingdom.
Indeed, during a peace meeting he summoned, the Ughelli North Local Government Chairman was visibly miffed, just as others who were also present, at the revelation from MacPherson Igbedi, who was in his second tenure in office, that the Union had no official bank account. All through Chief Igbedi’s first tenure and till the time of the peace meeting, monies meant for the Kingdom and UDU were paid into a private account. There was also no clear financial record. Unsatisfied with the negative disclosures about Chief Igbedi’s stewardship during the meeting, the Ughelli North Council boss, announced that Chief Igbedi remained suspended, and directed Mr Wilson Oghenerukevwe to act as President-General. He further asked Chief MacPherson Igbedi to hand over materials, including documents from the Office of the PG in his possession to his deputy. Olorogun Jaro Egbo further directed Chief Igbedi to go and make the necessary amends with the Uwheru People, and apologise to the Kingdom. To date, Chief Igbedi has never done any of these. This begs the question, what has changed to make the Ughelli North Local Government Chairman announce his reinstatement? As usual, Chief Igbedi continue to hold the Uwheru people and the Palace in contempt, ignoring directives to make peace and show accountability, boasting that he is politically entrenched.
*THE LAND AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ISSUE*
Most worrisome is the attempt by MacPherson Igbedi to give out some portions of Uwheru land for 30 years without the full disclosure of the details involved, and full approval of the Kingdom.
About two years ago, he took a Memorandum of Understanding purportedly between the Uwheru Kingdom and a Company for the acquisition of portions of Uwheru communal lands to the Odion r’ode to sign. No one had prior knowledge of the negotiation. Where, when, how and what transpired during the negotiations was also not disclosed to His Royal Majesty.
The MOU stated that the Community, represented by Chief Hon. Macpherson Igbedi, has agreed “to freely donate Six (6) hectares of land…” It beats one’s imagination, why anyone would negotiate the transfer of communal lands, the peoples’ Commonwealth, without the knowledge of the King, Traditional Council, key sectors of the Uwheru Kingdom and the people themselves? Similarly, Chief MacPherson Igbedi never disclosed that the interested buyer/company was also offering payment to acquire the land. He only explained to His Royal Majesty that the land is being given out for development and it would help to create employment opportunities for Uwheru people Nevertheless,
HRM Obruche refused to sign, insisting that he would need to consult the Uwheru people. However, after MacPherson
Igbedi’s suspension, sometime this year, representatives of the company returned seeking, again, to approach HRM Obruche 11 to sign the MOU. They approached the current UDU leadership for assistance.
During discussions, the UDU leadership agreed that a commitment to acquire the land financially was agreed from the very beginning, contrary to the impression given to Ajuwe Simpson Obruche that the benefits of giving out the land are employment opportunities for Uwheru people and infrastructural development. From the estimates made the purchase could run into billions of Naira. It was also learned that the land that
MacPherson Igbedi already took officials of the company on a tour of the land (A video showing the land space, and a narrator’s voice explaining the technical details is available)
The Palace and the Traditional Council were kept in the dark about the tour of the land.
These discoveries about the proposed land deal were shocking and further reinforced the Uwheru people’s resolve that Chief Igbedi should not be returned to office.
THE YOUTH BODY AND PEACE IN UWHERU KINGDOM
Your Excellency, attempts have also been made in some quarters to cast the Uwheru Youth Body in a negative light.
While there is an existing case about the issue in Court, for about three days last week, the Ughelli North Local Government announced consistently on the radio the proscription of the Uwheru youth committee, describing it as illegal and accusing the body of engaging in unlawful activities.
The Odion R’ode-in-Council Chiefs are deeply concerned that coordinated attempts are being made to link the Odion r’Ode and the Palace to negative narratives to justify external interference, during and after the aforementioned radio announcement.
These attempts are firmly rejected. His Royal Majesty, Ajuwe Simpson Sapele Obruche 11, is a peace-loving and law-abiding monarch. He is a retired public servant with over three decades of service in the British system. He had a distinguished and meritorious career working for the British Government.
A former educator and Urhobo and Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) activist in the Midwest Region, HRM Obruche 11 is an advocate for responsible and lawful behaviour. He is a patriotic, passionate, selfless and committed community leader who since he ascended the Uwheru Throne has personally supported welfare initiatives, including enrolling over 27 Uwheru women in the Delta State Health Insurance Scheme. He is also a progressive leader
Your Excellency, despite the rigours of long-distance travel and the brunt of age, HRM Obruche 11 have embarked on self-sponsored but often discreet trips to Asaba to appeal to members of your Executive Cabinet to help in the resuscitation and uplifting of the Health and Educational facilities in the Kingdom, including an incomplete Cottage Hospital and the Uwheru Grammar School, among others. Indeed, in one of such trips to Asaba, one of the Cabinet Members was visibly impressed that the aged Monarch would take such pains to travel all the way for the benefit of his people and promised to visit Uwheru for further assessment. He has since fulfilled that promise to visit. It is therefore unthinkable that such a man would be linked to deviance and retrogressive activities.
We wish to respectfully clarify that the Youth Body was not established by the King acting alone. It was established by the Uwheru Traditional Council. The Youth Body was the idea of the present leadership of UDU, as crime and illicit drug use were out of control. Its establishment was roundly discussed and properly weighed at several meetings for its merits before HRM Obruche and the Uwheru Traditional Council gave approval.
Since its establishment, the Youth Body has contributed significantly to peace and security within the Kingdom.
Among other achievements:
It has assisted in reducing crime and drug abuse.
It played a notable role in the rescue of the Akaragbaya ( Prime Minister) of Ehere Quarters, Mr Edewor Magic, by Foreign marauders, in February this year. The Youth President and his executive; alongside the UDU leadership led by Mr Wilson Oghenerukevwe Mukoro mobilized the Kingdom in conjunction with security agents to rescue the Akaragbaya after three days in captivity. Unfortunately, his left arm had been cut off by the blood-sucking kidnappers before rescue came.
The Youth body has continued to work in synergy with community leadership structures in promoting peace, security, and social stability.
These contributions can be independently verified through relevant security agencies.
Importantly, it is aware of Your Excellency’s zero tolerance for youth disturbance, extortion and other forms of criminality and would never engage in them.
Indeed, the Uwheru Kingdom has remained largely peaceful since the suspension of Chief MacPherson Igbedi, a fact that can also be independently verified.
OUR APPEAL TO YOUR EXCELLENCY
Your Excellency, Uwheru Kingdom believe that an administration that has consistently demonstrated respect for traditional institutions would never approve or support any action intended to intimidate, embarrass, or diminish the office of the Odion r’Ode.
It is precisely because of our confidence in Your Excellency’s commitment to justice, peace, and fairness that we have chosen to place these concerns before you.
We therefore respectfully appeal that you intervene in ensuring that;
*The dignity and sanctity of the Uwheru traditional institution should be protected.
*The Odion r’Ode be shielded from further intimidation and pressure.
*The collective will of the Uwheru people regarding their leadership affairs will be respected.
*All stakeholders should be encouraged to pursue peace, dialogue, and lawful processes.
*Necessary steps be taken to prevent any development capable of disrupting the peace presently enjoyed in the Uwheru Kingdom.
CONCLUSION
Uwheru Kingdom remains peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to constructive engagement with the government at all levels.
Our appeal is not for confrontation but for understanding.
Not for conflict but for peace.
Not for division but for the preservation of justice, harmony, and the dignity of a revered monarch whose only offence, if it may be so described, is his insistence that the collective decision of his people should be
respected.
We remain confident that Your Excellency will give this matter the attention it deserves in the interest of peace, stability, and justice.
Please be assured of our support, cooperation and continued prayers for your success as you steer Delta to greater chapters of growth and development.
Signed:
For:
ODION R’ODE- IN-COUNCIL CHIEFS
Uwheru Kingdom
Ughelli North Local Government Area
Delta State
