UPU ELECTION: ARE OHWOFA, IGINI REALLY THE MESSIAHS?

UPU ELECTION: ARE OHWOFA, IGINI REALLY THE MESSIAHS?

-By Zik Gbemre 

What qualifies Simeon Owhofa so fit for PG UPU to replace Ese Gam Owe that warrants the loudening noise in campaigns for Ohwofa and his team by a section of Urhobo people? 

We are told Ohwofa was President of Urhobo Social Club in Lagos but  how well does that count to qualify him to be the UPU PG Urhobos earnestly desire? Where is Ohwofa when Okuama was burnt, her people killed and leaders in military dungeon.

Where were Michael Igini and co when Okuama was burnt? Has any of them made any public statements on the Okuama and Aladja Ogbe-Ijoh crises?

None of them has identified with locals to resolve issues affecting Urhobo. Ohwofa, Michael Igini never made any public statement on Warri Federal Constituency dileanation that recently led to the death of a youth leader in Iyara, Okere-Urhobo Warri Kingdom.

Are Ohwofa, Igini and co looking for self glorification or really concerned about making the difference in the development of Urhoboland? I am not convinced these are serious people looking for attention. 

It is not about private wealth of individuals or fame in INEC that qualify aspirants to hold positions in UPU. The overriding qualification is unwavering patriotisn to the Urhobo cause.

I respect Aruegodore Oyiborhoro, Michael Egi, Andrew Edevbie, Emmanuel Ojameruaye of UHS,
Joe Omene, Joshua Asah, Godwin Jefia, Sleek Oshare, Tony Erukeme, Ominimini Obiuwovwi, Felix Oghenemurhokor Nana,Ovo Agbodje,William Didimako and few others who still boldly condemn the continous detention of Prof Ekpokpo and co and for further committing personal resources in determination to ease the Okuama cause. 

I don't see any where these new voices, Ohwofa and co aspiring to lead UPU have been counted in the Okuama struggles. They could be worse than Ese Gam Owe. 

Must one be PG UPU and Exco members before committing to fight for Urhobo cause?
Ohwofa and Igini are not committed Urhobo people.
Owhofa is an Uwherun man. Has he made any public statement on armed herdsmen killings in Ohoror and Agadama bushes that have been claiming lives of Urhobo people?

Precisely in 2020, ten local farmers were massacred by armed Fulani herdsmen where Simeon Owhofa hails from. Those massacred in Uwherun were Dennis Itoje, Philip Emesharueke, Arhiakpore Steven, Oghenekparobe Emmanuel, Andrew Itiroghene, Kotor Boy, Abura Ejuweyere and Freeborn Israel. What public statement and action came from Simeon Owhofa on Uwherun killings? 

The Warri Federal Constituency dileanation crises, what public statement has Michael Igini, a former INEC Commissioner made? No statement from him. Who is Michael Igini scared of? 

A man like Michael Igini is not fit to hold any executive position in UPU. Urhobo should go and lobby Joe Omene to lead the UPU. Omene is a fearless and patriotic Urhobo leader inspite of his shortcomings? 

Are these the kind of people campaigning to hold executive positions in UPU, Ohwofa, Igini and co?  Agreed Ese Gam Owe has failed as PG UPU but should we bring another unpatriotic Urhobo man to head UPU again? No.

Zik Gbemre
November 21,2025

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