By Queen Stephanie Ikanone Odiete
The National President of the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association (TCULA), Chief Joe Orode Omene, on Friday, January 23, 2026, led a delegation of traditional chiefs on a solidarity visit to the residence of High Chief Dr. Solomon Ojariafe, the Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Kingdom.
Chief Omene, a former President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), made it clear that the visit was deliberate and purposeful, not ceremonial.
“We do our homework before visiting anyone,” he said. “We came because of your integrity.”
Tracing his maternal roots to Idjerhe Kingdom, Omene described the affairs of the kingdom as deeply personal to him.
“I am first a son of Urhobo land,” he stated. “Anything that touches Idjerhe touches me.”
In a candid address, the former UPU leader praised the Unugbrogodo for his reputation for uprightness, courage and restraint, noting that High Chief Ojariafe has consistently spoken against injustice without abusing authority.
“You will not hear that he duped people or disgraced the stool,” Omene said. “What you will hear is that if something is wrong against Urhobo, he will speak up. That is the kind of man we associate with.”
Drawing from his own leadership experience, Omene emphasized that true leadership demands loyalty to one’s people rather than personal enrichment.
“If leadership was about selling your people, I would have been super rich during my time as UPU President,” he said. “But I chose my people. I could not betray them.”
He stressed that the visit was an open show of support and not intended to provoke any individual or group.
“We are not here to spite anybody,” Omene explained. “We are saying: let the chiefs live. We are human too.”
He further defended the existence of the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association, stating that it has the same right to operate as other recognized leadership forums.
“Kings have their forum. President-Generals have theirs. Governors, speakers and permanent secretaries all have forums,” he said. “Why should chiefs be denied theirs?”
On behalf of TCULA, Omene pledged solidarity and loyalty to High Chief Ojariafe and other traditional leaders who uphold the dignity and interests of Urhobo chiefs.
“We came in solidarity,” he said. “We came to congratulate you and to say we are with you.”
Responding, High Chief Dr. Solomon Ojariafe, the Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Kingdom, described the visit as reassuring and symbolic of renewed unity within Urhobo land.
“I am honoured,” he said. “Chief Joe Omene is a father and a leader in Urhobo land. I hold him in very high esteem.”
Ojariafe recalled his long-standing relationship with Omene, dating back to his tenure as President of UPU Ghana, describing him as “a beacon of unity in a land that has experienced too much division.”
“This visit sends a clear message,” he added. “The chiefs of Idjerhe are happy. Urhobo land must hear this message of unity.”
Reflecting on his journey as Unugbrogodo, Ojariafe described the position as a sacred ancestral trust.
“This is not an ordinary seat,” he said. “It is the ancestors who choose who sits here. The journey has not been easy, but everything has been preparation.”
He firmly declared that the Unugbrogodo stool is not vacant and called on those fueling division to embrace peace.
“Idjerhe is one kingdom,” he said. “We must come together to move forward.”
The Unugbrogodo assured that his leadership would remain transparent and inclusive.
“This office should not threaten anyone,” he said. “I will not sell the kingdom. I will not betray it. Every chief—old or young—matters.”
He also reaffirmed his support for the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association, insisting that freedom of association is a constitutional right.
“If you are doing well, why are you afraid?” he asked.
Looking ahead, Ojariafe revealed plans for closer collaboration among Unugbrogodos across Urhobo land.
“We all have roles,” he said. “If the king calls, we answer. If the Unugbrogodo calls, we answer. Leadership is about responsibility, not rivalry.”
The meeting, held at the Unugbrogodo’s palace, was attended by chiefs from across Idjerhe Kingdom and concluded with a collective call for peace, unity and sustainable progress in Urhobo land.
