Group petitions Eshenekpe for impersonation of Delta monarchs

A socio-cultural and advocacy group, Movement for the Protection of Urhobo Integrity, MPUI has petitioned Akpodoro Eshenekpe before Urhobo Kings, Delta State Government and others for allegedly arrogating to himself an unauthorized and fictitious title of Mayor of Urhobo Nation.

The petitioners wrote to the President-General, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chairman Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council (Ukoko R ‘ivie’ R Urhobo), HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, Delta State, Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda,
DSS Delta State Command, Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defense Staff.

The petition signed by the group's National Coordinator and Secretary-General, Messrs Kenneth Onomakpokpor and Johnson Omafuvwe respectively calls for sanctions against Eshenekpe.

The petition read, "Impersonation and misrepresentation, Mr. Israel Akpodoro has consistently and publicly paraded himself with the title “Mayor of Urhobo Nation,” a position that does not exist within the traditional or socio-political structure of the Urhobo people.

"This title is not recognized by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, or any authentic Urhobo traditional institution.

"His continued usage of this false designation is a direct act of impersonation intended to mislead the public and undermine Urhobo customs and protocols.

"Deliberate Misleading of Urhobo People and the General Public, Mr. Akpodoro has been falsely representing himself in public gatherings, media publications, and political spaces as the spokesperson or representative of the Urhobo Nation.

"He has made unverified and divisive statements under this false guise, misleading both Urhobo indigenes and the general Nigerian public about his standing in Urhobo society.

"On several documented occasions, Mr. Akpodoro has publicly claimed superiority over recognized Urhobo monarchs, an action we deem not only irresponsible and provocative but also a direct affront to our
traditional institutions.

"This constitutes sacrilege against the sanctity of Urhobo royalty, and poses a threat to communal peace and respect for elders and tradition.

"Potential to Destabilize the Urhobo Nation His actions, if left unchecked, have the potential to incite discord, confusion, and conflict among the Urhobo people, especially the youth who may be misled by such unfounded claims."

The group warned that, "Allowing false titles and personalities to go unchecked weakens the credibility of our leadership and endangers the moral foundation of our ethnic identity.

"The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) issue a public disclaimer and condemnation of Mr. Israel Akpodoro’s use of the title “Mayor of
Urhobo Nation.

"The Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers collectively denounce and call for an end to his derogatory and disrespectful
remarks against Urhobo royal fathers.

"The security agencies (Police and DSS) invite and investigate Mr. Akpodoro for impersonation, false claims, and conduct likely to cause public disturbance and ethnic unrest.

"Mr. Israel Akpodoro be compelled to publicly withdraw the false title and apologize to the Urhobo people, particularly to our revered monarchs.

"The Delta State Government monitor and regulate the indiscriminate adoption of unrecognized and misleading titles that pose a threat to the cultural integrity of ethnic groups.

"This petition is not borne out of personal malice, but from a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the values, honor, and traditional authority of the Urhobo Nation. 

"No individual should be allowed to arrogate to themselves a title that distorts our identity, insults our elders, or misleads our people.
"We trust that your esteemed offices will treat this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, to safeguard the dignity of Urhobo land and people." It added.