ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and renowned Urhobo leader, Chief D.T.E. Salubi, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, describing him as an uncommon patriot whose legacy remains indelible in the history of the Urhobo nation.
In a congratulatory message issued on March 3, 2026, Senator Dafinone, on behalf of his family and the people of Delta Central, felicitated with the nonagenarian, celebrating what he described as “not just the longevity of a remarkable life, but the enduring legacy of a man whose name is etched boldly in the story of our people.”
The lawmaker extolled Chief Salubi as an uncompromising Urhobo patriot, steadfast community leader and progressive politician whose convictions have remained firm over the decades.
“Chief Salubi stands tall as an uncompromising Urhobo patriot, a steadfast community leader, and a consummate progressive politician whose convictions have never wavered in the face of challenge,” Dafinone stated.
He noted that the elder statesman has, for decades, served as a moral compass and rallying voice for justice, equity and the advancement of the Urhobo people, adding that his courage, clarity of purpose and principled engagement in public life continue to inspire generations of leaders within and beyond Delta State.
Widely regarded as a repository of Urhobo history and tradition, Salubi was described by the senator as a living encyclopedia whose deep knowledge of the ancestry, struggles and triumphs of the Urhobo nation has strengthened the people’s cultural identity and collective resolve for unity and development.
“His deep knowledge of our heritage has enriched our collective identity and reinforced our pursuit of unity, development and self-determination for the Urhobo nation,” Dafinone said.
As Chief Salubi marks the historic milestone of 90 years, the senator prayed for continued strength, sound health and peace for the elder statesman.
“May his years ahead be filled with joy and the satisfaction of seeing the seeds he planted blossom across our land. Happy 90th birthday, Chief Salubi — your life remains a blessing and a beacon to us all,” he added.
The tribute underscores the reverence with which Chief Salubi is held across Delta Central and the broader Urhobo nation as he joins the ranks of distinguished nonagenarians whose contributions have shaped the region’s political and cultural landscape.
