Ojariafe Receives Omene, TCULA on Solidarity Visit, Pledges to Support & Work for Growth of Urhobo Nation

By Queen Stephanie Ikanone Odiete

The National President of the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association, Chief Joe Orode Omene has led a delegation of Chiefs to the residence of High Chief Dr Solomon Ojariafe, Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Kingdom on Friday, January 23rd, 2026.

Chief Joe Orode Omene, a former President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) said that, the visit was neither casual nor ceremonial.

“Speaking accordingly, Chief Omene told the gathering at the Unugbrogodo’s palatial home that he has done his research before coming, “we do our homework, before visiting anyone”. We came because of your integrity.”

Omene, who traced maternal roots to Idjerhe, said the kingdom’s concerns were personal to him. “I am first a son of Urhoboland,” he said. “Anything that touches Idjerhe touches me.”

In a speech laced with candour, the UPU former leader described Ojariafe as a man known for uprightness, courage and restraint. According to him, the Unugbrogodo has earned respect for standing against oppression without becoming an oppressor himself.

“You won’t hear that he duped people or disgraced the stool,” Omene said. “What you will hear is that if something is wrong against Urhobo, he will speak up. That is the kind of man we associate with.”

Drawing from his own experience, Omene said leadership must be rooted in loyalty to the people, not personal gain. “If leadership was about selling your people, I would have been super rich during my time as UPU President. But I chose my people. I could not betray them.”

He stressed that the visit was an open show of support, not an attempt to provoke anyone. “We are not here to spite anybody. We are saying: let the chiefs live. We are human too.”

The Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association, he added, has every right to exist, just like other recognised forums across the country. “Kings have their forum. President-Generals have theirs. Governors, speakers, permanent secretaries all have forums. Why should chiefs be denied theirs?” he asked.

On behalf of the association, Omene pledged loyalty to the Unugbrogodo and others who protect the interests of traditional chiefs. “We came in solidarity. We came to congratulate you and to say we are with you,” he said.

Responding, High Chief Solomon Ojariafe described the visit as deeply reassuring and symbolic of a new chapter for Urhobo unity.

“I am honoured,” he said. “Chief Joe Omene is a father and a leader in Urhobo land. I hold him in very high esteem.”

Ojariafe recalled his own long-standing relationship with Omene, dating back to his time as President of UPU Ghana, describing him as “a beacon of unity in a land that has seen too much division.”

“This visit sends a clear message,” he said. “The chiefs of Idjerhe are happy. Urhobo land must hear this message of unity.”

Speaking on his journey so far as Unugbrogodo, Ojariafe described the role as a sacred ancestral responsibility. “This is not an ordinary seat,” he said. “It is the ancestors who choose who sits here. The journey has not been easy, but everything has been preparation.”

He declared firmly that the Unugbrogodo stool was not vacant and called on those stoking division to sheath their swords. “Idjerhe is one kingdom. We must come together to move forward.”

The monarch assured that his leadership would be transparent and inclusive. “This office should not threaten anyone. I will not sell the kingdom. I will not betray it. Every chief—old or young—matters.”

Ojariafe also reaffirmed support for the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association, insisting that freedom of association is guaranteed. “If you are doing well, why are you afraid?” he asked.

Looking ahead, he revealed plans for closer collaboration among Unugbrogodos across Urhobo land. “We all have roles. If the king calls, we answer. If the Unugbrogodo calls, we answer. Leadership is about responsibility, not rivalry.”

The meeting, held at the Unugbrogodo’s palace, was attended by chiefs from across Idjerhe Kingdom, ending on a shared call for peace, unity and collective progress in Urhobo land.