ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has urged the Urhobo people to end the growing “Pull Him Down Syndrome” targeted at Urhobo political and economic leaders, warning that the divisive culture threatens the collective strength of the Urhobo Nation.
Dafinone made the appeal in a keynote address during the inaugural Urhobo Leadership Series organised by the Urhobo Consultative Forum (UCF) on Monday, July 28, 2025. The event, themed “Redefining Public Service and Accountability: Reflections on Senator Ede Dafinone’s Representation,” drew participation from Urhobo leaders across the globe.
He used the platform to speak on the ongoing agitation for the creation of an Ethiope State, disclosing that while he had held several meetings with statehood advocacy groups, the agitation lacked inclusive consultation across the full spectrum of Urhobo leadership.
Dafinone recounted how he supported Hon. Ben Etanebena during a constitutional amendment hearing in Bayelsa to push for the listing of Ethiope State in Nigeria’s federal structure. He expressed concern over the insufficient backing from Urhobo leadership and called for unity in weighing the merits of state creation versus strengthening existing institutions.
He lamented the absence of a common point of reference in Urhobo leadership today, a vacuum once filled by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), and called for new, credible voices that can rally the Urhobo nation to speak with strength and clarity on national issues.
Touching on national security, Dafinone condemned the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama and demanded justice for detained indigenes of the community, urging authorities to either release them or give them the opportunity to defend themselves.
The Senator said the Urhobo nation is gradually losing its voice and presence among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities, stressing that unless the Urhobo people forge a united leadership and put aside personal interests, the nation’s relevance would continue to fade.
He called on Urhobo progressives, including the UCF and the UPU, to embrace collaborative leadership, stating that the community must come together to harness the capacity of its elite, technocrats, and political actors for the benefit of all Urhobos.
Dafinone decried the culture of envy and internal sabotage, saying the Pull-Him-Down Syndrome was responsible for the slow pace of development within the Urhobo nation. He revealed he has been the target of calculated media attacks by a few individuals over the past six months and urged detractors to focus on their contributions rather than seek to destroy others.
“As champions in our community, we must stand together. If we continue to undermine one another, we risk losing our place at the table when it comes to the distribution of Nigeria’s resources,” he said.
He also noted the absence of mutual support among Urhobos, citing how he organises monthly networking sessions in Abuja for Urhobo leaders, only to receive feedback that many Urhobos are unwilling to support their own.
On culture, Dafinone acknowledged the waning use of the Urhobo language, admitting his personal limitations in speaking it, and said he had initiated a language competition to promote its learning and revival among the youth.
In his remarks, Abraham Ogbodo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UCF, said the Urhobo nation must urgently find credible and visionary leadership. He noted that only competent leaders could attract the resources needed for the development of Urhobo land.
Chief Richard Iyede, Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees of the UCF, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to cultural promotion and grassroots development, referencing the ‘ARISE’ initiative as a step in that direction.
The virtual Urhobo Leadership Series drew over 160 participants from Nigeria, Europe, the Americas, and Canada, providing a crucial platform for the discussion of unity, cultural preservation, and development of the Urhobo nation.
