The Forum of Presidents-General of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone for re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced during an emergency meeting of Urhobo Kingdoms’ President-Generals held at the Uvwie Town Hall in Effurun, Delta State, where the leaders praised the trio for what they described as impactful leadership, visible development, and commitment to the welfare of the people since assuming office in 2023.
The Urhobo leaders particularly commended Senator Dafinone for his intervention during the Okuama crisis, especially his efforts in securing the release of the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom and advocating for the freedom of other detained community leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Chairman of the President-Generals, Chief Arawore Monday, said the Urhobo nation had resolved to stand firmly behind the three leaders ahead of the next election cycle.
“We will follow Senator Ede Dafinone, and we will also follow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As far as we are concerned, what remains now is only the certificate of return,” he stated.
According to him, the performances of President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Dafinone had convinced the Urhobo people that they deserved another term in office.
“There is really no need for too much campaigning anymore because they have campaigned for themselves through their performance. Today, Senator Dafinone has become a symbol of good governance and effective representation,” Arawore added.
The forum also pledged to mobilize grassroots support across the 24 Urhobo kingdoms to ensure victory for the APC and its candidates in 2027, describing the “Sheriff Oborevwori Project” as a collective Urhobo agenda that must be sustained.
“We are not going back. The Sheriff Project is our project, and we are fully committed to it. Together, we are going to achieve success through unity and cooperation,” the forum chairman declared.
Earlier in his remarks, Senator Dafinone thanked the Urhobo leaders for their continued support and reflected on his transition from the private sector to public service.
He explained that before joining politics, he had built a career spanning accounting, exports, agriculture, consulting, and business leadership, including serving as Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group and leading one of Nigeria’s largest environmental NGOs.
The senator said his primary focus in the National Assembly has been the upliftment of the Urhobo people through human capital development, scholarships, employment opportunities, empowerment programmes, and infrastructure projects across the eight local government areas of Delta Central.
“My central focus has always been to raise the Urhobo nation at every opportunity and improve the lives of our people, whether at home or in the diaspora,” Dafinone said.
He also stressed the need to preserve Urhobo identity, language, and culture, warning that younger generations were gradually losing touch with their roots.
According to him, Urhobo leaders must deliberately mentor and empower younger people to safeguard the future of the ethnic nationality.
“Beyond infrastructure, my greatest concern remains the preservation and elevation of the Urhobo identity. We are gradually witnessing a situation where many young Urhobo men and women are losing touch with their language, culture, traditions, and sense of pride in being Urhobo,” he said.
Dafinone recalled hosting a group of Urhobo students in Abuja, noting that some identified more with the states where they currently reside than with their Urhobo heritage, despite having Urhobo parents.
“That experience reinforced my belief that we must intentionally preserve our identity, language, and cultural heritage,” he added.
Among the President-Generals present at the meeting were Chief Arawore Monday, Chief Edomidaghan Lucky (JP), Chief Erute Abovi, Chief Atumah Vincent, Chief Ememu Emmanuel, Chief Okumagba Sylvester, Chief Ukpebitere Kenneth, Chief Umukoro Wilson, Chief Etetakpor Opone, Chief Dokie Andrew, Chief Egbedi MacPherson, Chief Umudjere Joseph, Chief Anuya David, Chief Otobrise Monday, Chief Brighadimor David, Chief Wheleke Patrick, and Chief Efe Ese.
