General News
HISTORIC OKPE IDENTITY UNDER THREAT AS MONARCH DECLARES OKPE A DIALECT OF URHOBO
A video statement by HRM Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, declaring that “Okpe is a dialect of the Urhobo,” has ignited widespread controversy and condemnation from the Okpe community worldwide. The November 5, 2025, statement, seen as a denial of Okpe’s distinct ethnic nationality, was immediately rejected by the Okpe Union as false and historically inaccurate.
The Orodje’s declaration coincided with his directive that 20 Okpe nationals be submitted as delegates to the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), a move critics interpret as aligning with forces undermining Okpe autonomy. In response, the Okpe Union’s National Executive Council convened on November 15, 2025, to formally refute the monarch’s claims.
Historically, the Okpe people trace their origins to migrations from the Benin Kingdom during the reign of Oba Ozolua (1483–1504 AD). Prince Okpe, a son of the Benin royal lineage, and his four sons—Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi—established the Okpe Kingdom, developing a distinct territory, political structure, and monarchy.
Scholars assert that the colonial-era classification of Okpe as “Western Urhobo” was an administrative convenience by British authorities, not an ethnographic fact. British anthropologist R.E. Bradbury noted in 1970 that the Okpe were culturally closer to the Edo-speaking Benin people than to the Urhobo. The Okpe Union argues that, unlike the successfully recognized Isoko people who were labeled “Eastern Urhobo,” the Okpe continue to fight against this colonial misclassification.
The Union stresses that the Okpe language is distinct, not a dialect. “A dialect, by definition, is a regional or social variant of a primary language, whereas Okpe constitutes a fully distinct language with unique grammar, vocabulary, and oral traditions,” the council stated. They maintain that Okpe satisfies all criteria for a distinct ethnic nationality: common ancestry, shared language, unique traditions, defined territory, and political cohesion.
The timing of the Orodje’s statement has raised questions about political motivations ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts suggest the declaration risks undermining Okpe cohesion for external political gain. A senior chief in the palace admitted that internal actors with Urhobo parentage have dominated policy in the kingdom, suggesting a possible “fifth column” influencing the pronouncement.
This stance marks a dramatic shift from the Orodje’s earlier positions. In 2006, he hosted the first Okpe Voice World Conference to affirm Okpe distinctness. In 2007, he told the Okpe Union of North America, “Okpe is a unique ethnic nationality with distinctive roots in ancient history, tradition, culture, customs, and language.”
However, from around 2010, his advocacy reportedly weakened for personal political ambitions, including within the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council. He publicly cautioned the Okpe Union against pursuing ethnic recognition while internally endorsing Okpe identity, a duality that culminated in the November 2025 video.
The implications of denying Okpe ethnicity are tangible, affecting governance, educational language instruction, and cultural preservation. Barr. Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin warned, “When the leadership of a people claim the identity of a neighboring nation for political correctness, they have wittingly or unwittingly opted to destroy their own identity, language, arts, and the self-esteem of the people.”
Prof. Kenneth Eni noted that only a few Okpe unaware of their roots might support the Urhobo narrative, adding that “the Urhobo themselves do not consider Okpe as Urhobo.”
The Okpe Union asserts that the monarchy, while a vital symbol, cannot unilaterally redefine the ethnicity of the people. They call for unity and continued advocacy for recognition. “The struggle for recognition is long and arduous, but the preservation of identity is non-negotiable,” the Union stated.
The controversy serves as a cautionary tale on political expediency overriding historical truth. The Okpe Union concludes, “Okpe is not Urhobo. Okpe is a distinct nationality with a proud history, resilient culture, and a language that deserves recognition. History will judge the Orodje’s declaration, but the resilience of the Okpe Nation ensures that truth, not political convenience, will prevail.”
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.