Ojariafe Receives Omene, TCULA Delegation in Solidarity Visit, Pledges Support for Urhobo Nation

By Queen Stephanie Ikanone Odiete

 

High Chief Dr. Solomon Ojariafe, Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Kingdom, hosted Chief Joe Orode Omene, National President of the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association (TCULA), and a delegation of chiefs at his residence on Friday, January 23, 2026.

 

Ejes Gist News reports that Chief Omene, a former President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), described the visit as deliberate and purposeful, rather than ceremonial. “We do our homework before visiting anyone,” Omene said. “We came because of your integrity.”

Tracing his maternal roots to Idjerhe, Omene emphasized the personal significance of the kingdom’s concerns. “I am first a son of Urhoboland. Anything that touches Idjerhe touches me,” he said.

 

In remarks highlighting Ojariafe’s leadership, Omene praised the Unugbrogodo for integrity, courage, and restraint. “You won’t hear that he duped people or disgraced the stool,” he said. “If something is wrong against Urhobo, he will speak up. That is the kind of leader we associate with.

 

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Reflecting on his tenure as UPU President, Omene stressed that leadership must prioritize loyalty to the people over personal gain. “If leadership was about selling your people, I would have been super rich during my time. But I chose my people. I could not betray them,” he said.

Omene clarified that the visit was an expression of support and solidarity, not intended to provoke any party. He defended the role of traditional chiefs, noting that forums for chiefs, governors, and other leaders are standard nationwide. “We came in solidarity, to congratulate you and affirm that we are with you,” he said.

In response, High Chief Ojariafe described the visit as symbolic and reassuring. “Chief Joe Omene is a father and a leader in Urhobo land. I hold him in very high esteem,” he said, recalling their long-standing relationship from Omene’s time as UPU President in Ghana.

Highlighting the sacred nature of his position, Ojariafe affirmed that the Unugbrogodo stool is not vacant and urged an end to divisive rhetoric. “Idjerhe is one kingdom. We must come together to move forward,” he said. He committed to transparent and inclusive leadership, stating, “Every chief—old or young—matters. This office should not threaten anyone. I will not betray the kingdom.”

Ojariafe also pledged ongoing support for TCULA, stressing the importance of freedom of association and collaboration among Unugbrogodos across Urhobo land. “Leadership is about responsibility, not rivalry,” he added.

The meeting, held at the Unugbrogodo’s palace, included chiefs from across Idjerhe Kingdom and concluded with a shared commitment to peace, unity, and the collective development of Urhobo land.