Uvwie Monarch Unveils Biography, Marks 18th Coronation Anniversary in Delta

Effurun, the administrative headquarters of Uvwie Local Government Area in Delta State, is set to host a landmark cultural and intellectual event as the Ovie of the Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, JP, OON, formally unveils his biography alongside activities marking the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

The biography, titled Odyssey of Royalty: The Reign of Abe I, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, forms the centrepiece of a multi-day celebration scheduled to hold in February in Effurun, a major urban and commercial hub in Delta State. Ejes Gist News reports that the ceremonies will draw political leaders, traditional rulers, legal luminaries, academics, and dignitaries from across Nigeria.

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Among the prominent personalities expected at the event are the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. Also expected are members of the National and State Assemblies, ministers, commissioners, and traditional rulers from different parts of the country.

High-Profile Roles and Programme Outline

The event will be chaired by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN. The Chief Launcher is High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation. The book will be reviewed by Professor Joe Abugu, SAN, while Chief Hon. Solomon Igbrakpata will serve as Chief Host.

According to the organising committee, a series of cultural, ceremonial, and religious activities have been scheduled to commemorate the 18th coronation anniversary of the monarch. The programme commences on 7 February with a 21-gun salute, symbolically marking the beginning of the celebrations, alongside the conferment of chieftaincy titles on 36 individuals across various sectors.

On 10 February, representatives of the nine traditional administrative units of the Uvwie Kingdom are expected to pay homage to the monarch at his palace. The formal public presentation of the biography is scheduled for 14 February, followed by a homage ceremony by newly installed chiefs on 16 February.

The celebrations are expected to conclude on 18 February with a coronation anniversary thanksgiving Mass, after which a final 21-gun salute will formally close the commemorative events at 7:00 p.m.

Biography Chronicles Reign and Uvwie History

The biography documents the personal journey of His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, his ascension to the throne, and the governance philosophy that has shaped his reign. It also provides a structured historical account of the Uvwie Kingdom, detailing traditional institutions, conflict resolution mechanisms, and socio-political evolution under his leadership.

The publication highlights the monarch’s emphasis on peacebuilding, traditional reform, and inclusive leadership, situating his reign within the broader historical context of Urhobo traditional governance.

Uvwie Kingdom and Administrative Structure

Uvwie Local Government Area was created on 4 December 1996 following its excision from the former Okpe Local Government Area, alongside Udu Local Government Area. Effurun serves as its headquarters and is widely regarded as a major urban centre in Urhoboland.

There are nine traditional administrative units, known as Etche, within the Uvwie Kingdom, all under the authority of the Ovie. These are Etche R’ Alegbor, Etche R’ Ogbe, Etche R’ Ekpan, Etche R’ Ugbomro, Etche R’ Erovie, Etche R’ Ugboroke, Etche R’ Ovwori, Etche R’ Oriokpor, and Etche R’ Ohore.

During the reign of Abe I, the number of Etche was expanded from four to nine, a move attributed to rapid urbanisation and the need to decentralise traditional administration. The expansion is widely regarded as a structural reform aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and community engagement.

Strategic Location and Economic Significance

Uvwie hosts several major towns and communities, including Effurun, Ekpan, Enerhen, Ugboroke, Ugbomro, and Ugborikoko. The local government area is connected by strategic road networks such as the Effurun–Sapele Road, Jakpa Road, Refinery Road, Airport Road (Sheriff Oborevwori Road), PTI Road, and the NPA Expressway.

The area accommodates key industrial, educational, and government institutions, including the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Nigerian Gas Infrastructure facilities, Daewoo Nigeria Limited, Chevron Nigeria Limited, the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, the Petroleum Training Institute, and the Delta State Technical College. Several hospitality establishments and the Delta State Housing Estate at Ugborikoko are also located within the local government area.

Uvwie is home to significant security and military installations, including the Nigerian Army’s 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks; the Police Area Command, Effurun; and Nigerian Navy facilities, including a hospital and aviation support infrastructure.

The first airport established in Delta State was built on Uvwie land along Airport Road, Ugborikoko, reinforcing the kingdom’s historical and strategic relevance. The area also hosts the NNPC Housing Complex at Ekpan.

Cultural Standing in Urhoboland

Uvwie is one of the twenty-four traditional kingdoms in Urhoboland and occupies a central position as a gateway to the South-South geopolitical zone. It shares boundaries with Warri, Udu, Agbarho, and Okpe, placing it at the crossroads of regional commerce and administration.

The kingdom is recognised for its cultural heritage, institutional stability, and reputation for hospitality. Its traditional leadership structure continues to coexist with modern urban development, positioning Uvwie as a significant centre for political, economic, and socio-cultural activities in Delta State.