Victor Oruno Assumes Office, Pledges Stronger Voice for Okpe Nation

Newly inaugurated President of the Okpe Peoples Forum (OPF), Barrister Victor Oruno, has unveiled an ambitious agenda centered on legal recognition of the Okpe ethnic nationality, accelerated development of Okpe communities, and greater unity among Okpe people worldwide.

Speaking during his inauguration ceremony held Saturday at the Richard Continental Hotel in Sapele, Oruno described his emergence as a call to service and pledged to work towards advancing the interests of Okpe sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora.

The new OPF president expressed gratitude to members of the forum for their confidence in his leadership and acknowledged all contestants who participated in the election process.

According to him, the mandate given to his administration belongs to all members of the organization and should be used to promote the collective aspirations of the Okpe people.

Oruno also commended the outgoing leadership of the forum for their contributions and paid special tribute to his former opponent, Mr. Sam Ohwerhoye, for displaying what he described as exceptional sportsmanship by accepting the election outcome and offering support to the new administration.

A major focus of the new administration, Oruno said, would be securing legal recognition of the Okpe ethnic identity.

“Okpe is Okpe. We are a distinct ethnic nationality with our own language, culture, history and destiny. Recognition must move from talk to law,” he declared.

To achieve this, he announced plans to engage the National Assembly, the Delta State House of Assembly, and relevant federal institutions to address what he described as the historical misclassification of the Okpe people.

He further disclosed plans to establish an OPF Legal and Advocacy Committee to monitor legislation, policy developments, and advocacy efforts relating to Okpe identity and rights.

On development, Oruno pledged to champion policies that would attract infrastructure projects and social services to Okpe communities while advocating for the revival of moribund institutions and industries within the area.

Among the institutions he specifically mentioned was Sapele Technical School, which he said should be revitalized as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth and opportunities for young people.

The OPF president also announced plans to create an Okpe Talent Bank aimed at improving the representation of qualified Okpe professionals in strategic positions at local, state and federal levels.

Addressing issues of unity and cultural preservation, Oruno said his administration would promote Okpe language and culture through educational programmes, cultural festivals, media campaigns, seminars, workshops, and stakeholder engagements.

He stressed the need for a united Okpe voice in regional and national affairs while maintaining cordial relations with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State.

Drawing from his more than two decades of legal practice, Oruno promised transparent and inclusive leadership, assuring members that his administration would remain accessible and accountable.

“The inauguration is done. The work starts now,” he told attendees, urging Okpe people across the world to contribute their skills, resources and expertise toward the advancement of the ethnic nationality.

The inauguration attracted community leaders, stakeholders, OPF members, and guests from across Delta State and beyond, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the organization.