Exactly 92 years ago on this day, May 16, 1930, a group of young Okpe nationals residing in Lagos established the Okpe Union, the oldest registered ethnic nationality organization in Nigeria. It was registered under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Ordinance of 1924, on the 13th of December, 1934. As descendants of these Okpe nationals, we are gathered today in all branches across Nigeria and in the Diaspora to commemorate their vision and patriotism in paving the path for the building of a strong Okpe Nation anchored on Okpe Identity. We salute them and revere the legacies they bequeathed us.
As the umbrella organization of the Okpe people, Okpe Union is primarily concerned about the growth and development of the Okpe Nation and the enhancement of Okpe in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and in Delta State. It was on the basis of this fundamental that the Okpe Union successfully agitated for the resuscitation of the Okpe Monarchy in 1945 when HRM Esezi ll was crowned as the Orodje of Okpe (1945-1966). This followed an interregnum of almost 200 years. Esezi ll was succeeded by HRM Orhorho l (1972-2004), who was succeeded by HRM Orhue l (2006 till date). Thus, the modern Okpe monarchy was birthed by the Okpe Union.
Since its foundation, the Okpe Union has played and continues to play vital role in the development of the Okpe Nation. A critical challenge confronting the Okpe Nation is the restoration of the independence of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, a status which was illegally extinguished by the British Government and subsequent governments in Nigeria. The unjust classification of Okpe as a sub-unit/clan of another ethnic nationality contradicts the fact that Okpe Kingdom was never established as a sub-unit or clan of any other ethnic nationality. The Okpe Union has since the colonial times always represented to various governments that Okpe is a distinct ethnicity.
The current status ridicules the historical and linguistic facts that Okpe is the most populous monolithic nationality in Delta State. I am pleased to inform you that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union is working assiduously with internal (traditional and political leadership) and external stakeholders in Delta State for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. This is our sacred historical responsibility to restore Okpe to its legitimate position in Delta State. The benefits of this recognition include the following: –
- The Okpe people will immediately occupy their pride of place in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and Nigeria as the misconception that Okpe is under another ethnicity would be buried forever.
- As an ethnic nationality that exclusively owns at least two Local Government Areas in Delta State, the Okpe Nation shall immediately be recognized in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and therefore be entitled to an exclusive Commissioner and an exclusive Executive Director like our neighbouring oil producing ethnicities of Delta State. The advantages of this include direct budget for projects in the area as well as specific slots for different empowerment programs and policies. For example, whereas Ika, Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri and Ndokwa are each allocated one thousand five hundred bursary slots, the two Local Government Areas of the Okpe Nation are left with no direct slots but directed to get from the three thousand slots given to Urhobo. In practice, Okpe students hardly get up to three hundred.
- The non-recognition of Okpe Nation by the DESOPADEC Law has deprived her of the exclusive computation of her oil wells as the over one hundred Okpe oil and gas wells are currently categorized as belonging to Urhobo. This has deprived the Okpe Nation many entitlements some of which have been identified above. This deprivation has made the projects by DESOPADEC in the Okpe Nation to be few when compared to other areas with lesser petroleum oil and gas quantum. Towns like Umiagwa, Amuokpokpo, Okobia and others in Okpe LGA are inaccessible due to lack of motorable roads and during the rainy season, teachers abandon the schools there for several months of the year. The Ugborhen area of Sapele LGA with over forty oil and gas wells has no metre of tarred roads by both the Delta State Government, the NDDC, and DESOPADEC. The only projects there are by SEPLAT Petroleum.
- With the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, the Okpe Language shall be developed and taught in all schools in Okpeland and beyond. This can generate immediate employment for Okpe Language teachers which other fully recognized ethnicities currently benefit. Similarly, the Okpe Language will occupy its rightful position in public broadcast be it radio and television as well as interpretation in churches and other public places. Okpe music whether traditional, gospel, pop, or otherwise as well as traditional masters of ceremonies and orators shall flourish thereby generating more local employment.
- The development of the Okpe Language will promote the survival of the language and also enhance literary advantages in the academics of Okpe children as African languages have proven to have an appreciable impact in the arts generally.
- Politically, Okpe shall become a recognized bloc which is negotiated with on its own recognition with the cards placed on the table objectively and equitably.
- The crisis of identity which has been faced by Okpe nationals since colonial times will finally be lifted from the shoulders of the Okpe people.
- Of all the Ethnic Nationalities in Delta State, only the Okpe Nation lacks a higher institution. When Okpe nationals make such demands, they are reminded that Okpe is grouped under Urhobo. Similarly, the Okpe people have been denied the template of identifying themselves in public documentations like registration under the Delta State Health Insurance Scheme as the portal does not have Okpe programmed in it and thus automatically registers Okpe nationals as Urhobo.
As we gather today to celebrate our Founder’s Day, I want to assure you that your NEC is working very hard to ensure that the above objectives are realized in due course. Your continued support and steadfastness in the defence and promotion of Okpe Identity is required.
In February 2023, state and federal elections shall be held to elect new political leaders for Delta State and Nigeria. We are closely monitoring the campaigns of all Delta State aspirants vying for elective positions as Delta State Governor, and for members of the Delta State House of Assembly, with special interests on their respective positions on Okpe Identity, which will guide the stance of the Okpe Union. The NEC considers this an existential matter for the growth and development of the Okpe Nation, a historical feat in memory of our forefathers and founders of the Okpe Union.
On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, I wish you a successful celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of the founding of the Okpe Union.
*God Bless the Okpe Union!*
*God Bless Orodje of Okpe Kingdom!*
*God Bless the Okpe Nation!*
26th May, 2022.
