By Sunday Apah
Following the passing of the previous Ovie of Udu Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe Esq., and the subsequent calls for a new leader from various factions within and outside the kingdom, reverred entrepreneur and Chairman of O-Secul Nigeria Limited, Engr Mike Orugbo, has agreed to ascend the throne as the next Ovie of the Udu people in Delta State.
This significant decision followed a visit on Thursday from the leadership of the Okporua Ruling House to his home in Ogbe-Udu. This gathering, in accordance with the 1979 Edict governing succession to the throne, included Presidents, Secretaries, Youth Leaders, Women, and Elders from five communities within Okporua: Ogbe-Udu, Oghior, Ukpiovwin, Okolor-Waterside, and Okolor-Inland. They earnestly urged Engr Orugbo to accept the position of King for the Udu Kingdom.
The visit was deemed essential after numerous attempts by local leaders, religious figures, political representatives, professional groups, and other stakeholders to convince him to embrace this prestigious role. Although Orugbo had expressed contentment with his peaceful retirement from decades of involvement in the oil sector, the significant show of support during the visit proved overwhelming.
During the event, Deacon Nigeria Okorode, representing the communities, passionately encouraged Orugbo to accept the crown, emphasizing that Udu needed capable leadership that could elevate its status. He noted that having Engr Mike Orugbo as the monarch would be a source of pride for the entire kingdom.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming endorsement from the Okporua ruling house—empowered to choose the next King—Engr Orugbo acknowledged the show of unity and support. He stated that with such a strong backing, he felt compelled to accept the honor.
“I belong to you all, and you are part of me. If my family and community have come together to support this, I have no choice but to accept. I hereby declare my acceptance to be the next King of Udu Kingdom. With your encouragement, we will work towards a prosperous future for Udu,” he affirmed.
The announcement was met with joyous celebrations, as attendees erupted into song and dance, commemorating the selection of a qualified leader for the Udu Kingdom.
Following this momentous occasion, chiefs and distinguished individuals from all seven ruling houses of Udu came to pay their respects and celebrate Engr Mike Orugbo’s ascension to Kingship.
Representatives from the Owhorhu Ruling House included Chief C.C.I Whiliki and Chief Udumarho Segba, while Okporua had Chief Luke Djebah, Chief Okoro Tagbovwere, and Engr Alex Neyin, who possesses the authority to crown Kings. Other notable figures included Chief Akunuhor Esiso, Hon Jonathan Karo Goru, and Engr Nelson Odien.
Representatives from the Orhuwhorun, Adadja, Owhrode, and Uloho Ruling Houses were also present, including Chief B.J Egbetamah, Chief Millicent Miller, Chief Eddie Ono-Sorhue, Dcn. Raymond Edijala, Chief Mike Oghenekaro, Barr Moses Odibo, Chief Richard Odibo, Chief Austin Emaduku, Chief James Akpowan, Hon Justice Irikefe Iyasere, Chief Steve Sokoh, Chief Henry Afure Sakpra, and Hon Henry Apunu, leader of the Udu legislative arm from the Ovwian ruling House.
All chiefs pledged their loyalty to Engr Mike Orugbo and urged the community to unite behind their new monarch to accelerate Udu’s development. Barr Moses Uchere, President of the Oghior community and Chairman of the Forum of Community Presidents in Okporua Ruling House, underscored that Okporua speaks as one and stands behind this endorsement.
The Udu Council Chairman, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, also conveyed his support from Asaba, reinforcing the community’s united front.
The next step involves the Okporua Ruling House formally recommending Engr Mike Orugbo to the Udu Traditional Council, which will ratify the nomination according to the 1979 Edict, paving the way for his coronation.
Sources confirm that Engr Mike Orugbo’s formal crowning and presentation to the Udu community will be organized shortly, culminating in an official handover of the staff of office from the government.
