EFFURUN/Nigeria: All roads will lead to Effurun, headquarters of Uvwie Local Government Area, next month as the Philosopher-King and Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, JP, OON, formally unveils his biography, Odyssey of Royalty: The Reign of Abe I, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, in commemoration of the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
The landmark event, billed to attract national attention, is expected to host a galaxy of eminent personalities, including the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; and the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori. Also expected are members of the National and State Assemblies, ministers, commissioners, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests from across the country.
The occasion will be chaired by Festus Keyamo, SAN, while the Chief Launcher is High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation. The book will be reviewed by Professor Joe Abugu, SAN, with the event hosted by Chief Hon. Solomon Igbrakpata.
Speaking on the programme of events, Chief Omafume Amurun, Media Consultant to the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and a member of the organising committee, disclosed that activities marking the 18th coronation anniversary will commence on February 7 with a 21-gun salute to herald the celebrations, alongside the conferment of chieftaincy titles on about 36 deserving individuals.
According to him, on February 10, various quarters of the Uvwie Kingdom will pay homage to the monarch at his palace, while the formal unveiling of the royal biography will take place on February 14. Newly installed chiefs are scheduled to pay homage to the Ovie on February 16, with the celebrations culminating on February 18 with a coronation anniversary thanksgiving Mass, followed by a closing 21-gun salute at 7:00 p.m.
The biography, which forms the centrepiece of the celebrations, chronicles the life and reign of Abe I, detailing his vision on ascension to the throne, his leadership philosophy, and his sustained efforts at promoting peace, stability and development. It also provides a concise historical account of the Uvwie Kingdom and its evolution within Urhoboland.
Uvwie Local Government Area, popularly described as the London of the Urhobo Nation, was created on December 4, 1996, following its excision from Okpe Local Government Area. The kingdom presently comprises nine Etche, the traditional administrative units, all under the leadership of the Ovie. These are Etche R’Alegbor, Etche R’Ogbe, Etche R’Ekpan, Etche R’Ugbomro, Etche R’Erovie, Etche R’Ugboroke, Etche R’Ovwori, Etche R’Oriokpor and Etche R’Ohore.
Under the reign of Abe I, the number of Etche was expanded from four to nine to address rapid urbanisation and bring traditional governance closer to the grassroots, a move widely acknowledged for strengthening community engagement and local administration.
Major towns and communities within the local government include Effurun, Ekpan, Enerhen, Ugboroke, Ugbomro and Ugborikoko, with strategic road networks such as Refinery Road, Airport Road, Effurun–Sapele Road, Jakpa Road, PTI Road and the NPA Expressway enhancing connectivity.
The area hosts key hotels, industries and institutions, including BON Hotel, Bedouin Hotel, the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Chevron Nigeria Limited, the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, the Petroleum Training Institute and the Delta State Technical College. It is also home to major security installations, including the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the Police Area Command, Effurun, and the Nigerian Navy Hospital and helipad.
With its rich cultural heritage, strategic location and thriving industrial and commercial presence, Uvwie Kingdom remains one of the most industrialised and socio-economically vibrant areas in Delta State, reinforcing the significance of the forthcoming royal celebration in Effurun.
