ASABA/Nigeria: Special Adviser to the President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Olorogun Fred Oghenesivbe, has emphasized that the overall development of the Union remains a collective responsibility of all Urhobo sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora.
In a statement issued on Thursday and made available to newsmen, Oghenesivbe urged past President Generals and prominent Urhobo leaders to offer genuine advice to the incumbent President General, Chief Ese Gam Owe, and his team, rather than engaging in public criticisms. He noted that the Union has witnessed tremendous progress under Chief Gam Owe’s leadership, maintaining peace and coordination, in contrast to the media battles and internal conflicts that previously plagued the organization.
He condemned the trend where past UPU leaders resort to social media and newspaper publications to criticize the current leadership, stating that other sociocultural organizations in Delta State and across the country resolve differences through private consultations rather than open confrontations. Oghenesivbe particularly appealed to former UPU President General, Chief Joe Orode Omene, to use his experience to support the Union by offering counsel behind closed doors, rather than engaging in public disputes.
On the controversy surrounding the election of a female President for UPU Canada, Oghenesivbe emphasized that the Union’s constitution must be respected, while also ensuring that no form of discrimination against women prevails. He warned that any stance contrary to fundamental rights and the Nigerian Constitution could be challenged legally.
Assuring that the issue would not divide the Union, Oghenesivbe described Chief Gam Owe as a seasoned legal practitioner who would handle the matter with fairness and in accordance with the Union’s constitution. He called on all Urhobo stakeholders, including royal fathers, past and present leaders, to rally around the incumbent President General to strengthen and advance the Urhobo nation.
“PG Gam Owe cannot do it alone; we must all rally around him, offer genuine advice, and mobilize our people to make the Urhobo nation stronger and greater,” he said.
He stressed that the UPU under Chief Gam Owe has made significant strides in coordination and unity, ensuring a peaceful and progressive Union. He reiterated that the era of internal strife must never return, urging all stakeholders to prioritize peace and collective responsibility.
“We cannot afford to have two PGs at the same time. PG Gam Owe is in the saddle, and he is doing a great job. There is room for improvement, no doubt, which is why we must support him and his team to move the Urhobo nation to greater heights,” Oghenesivbe stated.
