Urhobo Group Calls For Unity, Urges Reconciliation With Ibori

The Joint Association of Niger Delta Ethnic Youths (JANDY), Urhobo Nation Chapter, has appealed to Urhobo people both at home and in the diaspora to embrace unity and reconcile with former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.

This appeal is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the group’s National President, Mark Ikpuri.
In the statement, the group expressed concern over what it described as the declining state of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), noting that the once highly respected body appears to be gradually losing its direction and relevance.
It pointed out that recent leadership disputes, particularly the last UPU election, have created divisions that now threaten the unity and development of the Urhobo nation.
“UPU was never meant to be a political battlefield. What we are seeing today is not who we are as Urhobo people,” Ikpuri stated.
The group further recalled that during Ibori’s tenure as governor, the UPU maintained its structure and dignity, operating without undue interference while contributing meaningfully to the stability and progress of the Urhobo community.
The statement also highlighted the socio-economic challenges confronting Urhobo communities, despite their role as hosts to major oil facilities and pipelines in the Niger Delta.
According to the group, several communities—including Osubi, Ugolo, Okukoko, Otokutu, Opete, Agbarho, Udu, Oghara, Abraka, and Mosogar—witnessed notable development under Ibori’s administration, with improved economic opportunities for residents.
It therefore urged Urhobo traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders to set aside personal interests and focus on collective growth and development.
The group also appealed to Ibori to forgive past grievances and reconnect with the Urhobo people.
“We must come together under one solid pillar, and that pillar right now is the Odidigborigbo of the universe. This is about our future,” the statement added.
The statement concluded by calling on Urhobo kings, also known as Ajuvwes, to take the lead in reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring the relevance of the UPU and enabling Ibori to help guide the Urhobo nation toward sustainable socio-political and economic development.