EFFURUN/Nigeria: The Forum of Presidents-General of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced during an emergency meeting of Presidents-General of the various Urhobo kingdoms held at the Uvwie Town Hall in Effurun, Delta State, where the leaders praised the three political figures for what they described as impactful leadership, visible developmental strides, and commitment to the welfare of the people since assuming office in 2023.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, the Chairman of the Presidents-General, Chief Arawore Monday, declared that the Urhobo nation had collectively resolved to support President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Dafinone for another term in office, insisting that their performances had already earned them the confidence and support of the people.
“We will follow Senator Ede Dafinone, and we will also follow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As far as we are concerned, what remains now is only the certificate of return,” Chief Arawore stated.
The Urhobo leaders particularly commended Senator Dafinone for his intervention during the Okuama crisis, especially his efforts in securing the release of the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom and his continued engagement toward the release of other detained community leaders.
According to the forum chairman, the performances of President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Dafinone had effectively reduced the need for intense political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
“There is really no need for too much campaigning anymore because they have campaigned for themselves through their performance. Today, Senator Dafinone has become a symbol of good governance and effective representation,” he added.
The forum also pledged to mobilize massive grassroots support across the 24 Urhobo kingdoms to ensure electoral victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates during the next general elections.
Chief Arawore described the “Sheriff Oborevwori Project” as a collective agenda of the Urhobo people that must be sustained and protected beyond 2027.
“We are not going back. The Sheriff Project is our project, and we are fully committed to it. Together, we are going to achieve success through unity and cooperation,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Ede Dafinone expressed appreciation to the Urhobo leaders for their continued support and confidence in his representation at the National Assembly.
The senator reflected on his professional background before venturing into politics, noting that he had built extensive experience in accounting, exports, agriculture, consulting, and business leadership, including serving as Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group and as Chairman of one of Nigeria’s largest environmental non-governmental organizations.
Dafinone stated that his major focus in the Senate had remained the upliftment of the Urhobo nation through human capital development, scholarships, empowerment initiatives, employment opportunities, and infrastructural projects spread across the eight local government areas of Delta Central Senatorial District.
“My central focus has always been to raise the Urhobo nation at every opportunity and improve the lives of our people, whether at home or in the diaspora,” he stated.
The senator also raised concerns over what he described as the gradual erosion of Urhobo identity, culture, and language among younger generations, warning that urgent steps must be taken to preserve the heritage and future of the ethnic nationality.
“Beyond infrastructure, my greatest concern remains the preservation and elevation of the Urhobo identity. We are gradually witnessing a situation where many young Urhobo men and women are losing touch with their language, culture, traditions, and sense of pride in being Urhobo. If we do not address this, over the next 50 to 100 years, we may find ourselves becoming a disappearing people,” he said.
Dafinone stressed the need for successful Urhobo leaders across politics, business, academia, and industry to intentionally mentor younger generations and create succession pathways capable of sustaining the growth and relevance of the Urhobo nation.
He recalled an encounter with a group of Urhobo students he hosted in Abuja, where some of the students identified more with the states where they currently reside rather than with their Urhobo roots, describing the experience as a wake-up call on the urgent need to strengthen cultural orientation among Urhobo youths.
Among the Presidents-General present at the meeting were Chief Edomidaghan Lucky (JP), Chief Erute Abovi, Chief Atumah Vincent, Chief Ememu Emmanuel, Chief Okumagba Sylvester, Chief Ukpebitere Kenneth, Chief Umukoro Wilson, Chief Etetakpor Opone, Chief Dokie Andrew, Chief Egbedi MacPherson, Chief Umudjere Joseph, Chief Anuya David, Chief Otobrise Monday, Chief Brighadimor David, Chief Wheleke Patrick, and Chief Efe Ese.
