The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Orhue I, CFR, mni, has offered royal prayers and blessings to Senator Ede Dafinone and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging politicians and their supporters to shun violence, intimidation and other acts capable of threatening public peace.
The monarch gave the charge on Wednesday when Senator Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, led a delegation of APC leaders and campaign officials on a courtesy visit to his palace to seek royal blessings ahead of their political activities.
Receiving the delegation, the Orodje reiterated his non-partisan position as a traditional ruler, emphasising that the peace, unity and development of Okpe Kingdom must remain paramount above political and party affiliations.
He warned political actors against the use of weapons, intimidation of opponents and inflammatory conduct during the electioneering period, stressing that political ambition should never be allowed to undermine the longstanding harmony and peaceful coexistence among the people.
The traditional ruler also charged the APC campaign team to intensify grassroots mobilisation across Sapele Local Government Area, noting that electoral victories are secured through consistent engagement with voters, effective communication and meaningful interaction with communities.
He further reminded the candidates that no election should be taken for granted, urging them to demonstrate commitment and diligence by reaching out to voters in every community.
The Orodje subsequently offered prayers for Senator Dafinone, APC House of Assembly candidate for Sapele Constituency I, Hon. Chief Perkins Umukoro, Hon. Ejiro Jamani and other members of the delegation, wishing them success in their political endeavours.
Earlier, Senator Dafinone said the visit was informed by the need to recognise the traditional institution and seek the monarch’s royal blessings before commencing their campaign activities.
Describing the visit as a mark of respect to the throne, Dafinone said the delegation considered it important to obtain the monarch’s prayers and support as they prepared for the forthcoming elections.
“As sons of the kingdom, we are about to embark on our campaign, and we cannot proceed without your royal blessing. We seek your support in our quest to bring honour to both the kingdom and the nation,” he said.
The senator expressed confidence in the APC’s political structure in Sapele, describing the members of the campaign team as experienced political leaders with the capacity to mobilise support for the party’s candidates.
On national issues, Dafinone commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, expressing optimism that the policies were beginning to produce positive outcomes despite the economic difficulties facing Nigerians and prevailing global uncertainties.
He maintained that the reforms had strengthened the financial capacity of state governments, providing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration with greater opportunities to execute infrastructure projects and implement programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents of Delta State.
Dafinone also expressed confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s chances of securing re-election, citing what he described as the governor’s growing popularity and the development initiatives of his administration.
The delegation was led by former Sapele Local Government Chairman and Chairman of the Sapele APC Campaign Council, Chief Eugene Inoaghan.
Other members included Delta Central APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki; Sapele Local Government Chairman, Hon. Chief Bright Abeke; Deputy Chairman of the Sapele Campaign Council, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor; and Sapele Campaign Coordinator, Chief Cyril Ogodo.
Also in attendance were Chief Ramson Onoyake, Chief Julius Egbedi, DESOPADEC Commissioner; Hon. Churchill Ayomanor, Chairman of Sapele Okpe Community; Chief Austin Arieja, Chief Austin Opubor, Chief Patrick Akamovba, Chief Godwin Dadi, Hon. Chief Richard Okotie, Chief Kingsley Abeke, Chief Tom Anirah and Chief Babuba Moses Abeke, alongside other prominent sons and daughters of Okpe Kingdom.
The visit forms part of the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. However, the Orodje’s message served as a reminder that political activities must be conducted peacefully, responsibly and with due regard for the unity and stability of the communities involved.
