WE have carefully read the response of our respected leader, Chief Williams Makinde, in his article titled “OMO-AGEGE IS ON TRACK AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK FOR ALL URHOBO,” which was written in reaction to an earlier piece by Chief Hon. Julius Eguvwebere, Ohwotemu R’ Agbon. That earlier article addressed the issue of rotation of the Delta Central senatorial ticket along federal constituency lines—not along the outdated and misleading “Eastern” and “Western” Urhobo divide, as Chief Williams Makinde now suggests.
In attempting to justify what many have described as lopsided representation within Delta Central Senatorial District, based on Western and Eastern Urhobo political bloc, Chief Williams Makinde’s argument appears fundamentally flawed. In one breath, he limits his analysis to local government structures without adequately considering the internal dynamics within those local governments, particularly the role of state constituencies. This omission weakens the foundation of his argument and distorts the broader political reality.
For clarity, Delta Central comprises three federal constituencies: Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency; Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie Federal Constituency; and Ethiope Federal Constituency. Any serious discussion about equitable rotation must be grounded in this present political structure—not in outdated historical arrangements. Chief Williams Makinde’s attempt to revert to colonial-era classifications, when Isoko was once grouped under “Eastern Urhobo,” is both inaccurate and irrelevant in today’s political context. Isoko now has its own clearly defined federal constituency—Isoko North and Isoko South—and is no longer part of any Urhobo political classification.
Even if, without conceding, we entertain the argument of “Eastern” and “Western” Urhobo, the question must be asked: has Eastern Urhobo not had a disproportionate share of representation? Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, Ughelli North alone, PARTICULARLY CONSTITUENCY I, has held the Senate seat for a cumulative period of 12 years, with Senator Felix Ibru serving four years and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege serving eight years. In addition, Ughelli South and Udu have each held the Senate seat for four years, bringing the total for that axis to about 20 years.
In contrast, the Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie axis—comprising three local governments too- has barely held the Senate seat for about seven years. Yet, Chief Williams Makinde is advocating for a return of the senatorial ticket to the same constituency that has already enjoyed 12 years in office. This raises serious questions about equity and fairness. As the saying goes, “He Who Seeks Equity Must Come With Clean Hands.”
Another troubling aspect of Chief Williams Makinde’s argument is his claim that the Urhobo nation, having 24 kingdoms, cannot allow a situation where one kingdom produces both the governor and the senator simultaneously. This position is inconsistent with established political practice. Senatorial positions in Delta Central have never been zoned based on kingdoms but rather along local government and federal constituency considerations. Even the governorship of Delta State is not zoned by kingdom; but by senatorial district.
For instance, the current Governor of Delta State hails from Okpe Local Government, while the current senator is from Sapele Local Government. Would it then be justifiable to deny Sapele Local Government the opportunity to complete its tenure simply because the governor is from Okpe Local Government? Would it also be fair to reward Ughelli North, which has already held the Senate seat for 12 years (Late Senator Felix Ibru, four years and Senate Ovie Omo-Agege, eight years, “Orogun Kingdom”), with additional tenure, while Sapele struggles to complete just one term? These are fundamental questions of justice and balance. What is even the basis of comparison, Orogun kingdom with two wards, is more qualified to have an additional term in the Senate than Okpe Kingdom with two local government areas and 20 wards, let us be fair in our judgment.
Furthermore, the narrative that past political sacrifices were made to accommodate Senator Ede Dafinone’s ambitions must be properly contextualised. Olorogun O’tega Emerhor’s decision to step down his senatorial ambition in the build-up to 2023 elections was not based on any East-West Urhobo calculation, but rather because he and another aspirant came from the same state constituency with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who was to be the APC governorship candidate. That decision reflected political maturity and strategic thinking—not sectional compromise.
This brings us to another critical issue: the question of reciprocity in leadership. If others have stepped aside in the past to support Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, when will such a former DSP, in turn, step aside to allow other Urhobos to rise? Leadership must not become a one-way street where the aspirations of many are perpetually sacrificed for the ambitions of one man.
Historically, the Delta Central senatorial contest has never been based on any rigid East-West dichotomy. Over the years, candidates have emerged from different local governments based on political strength, party dynamics, and individual merit. From Senator Fred Brume (1999-2003), Senator Felix Ibru (2003-2007), Senator Adego Eferakeya (2007 – 2011), Senator Pius Ewerido (2011 – 2013), Senator Agwariavwodo (2013 – 2015), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (2015-2023) and Senator Ede Dafinone (2023 till date), the pattern has always reflected a broader, more inclusive approach rather than an East-West dichotomy.
It is therefore clear that the argument for an East-West Urhobo rotation lacks both historical and political validity. Equity demands that opportunities be distributed fairly across federal constituencies, not recycled within the same axis that has already dominated representation.
At this critical juncture, the Urhobo political leadership must rise above narrow interests and embrace a more strategic and inclusive approach. There is a need to support emerging leaders from underrepresented constituencies, particularly those who have not had a fair share of representation.
There is a growing need to once again appeal to Senator Omo-Agege to redirect greater focus toward national politics, rather than continually returning home in search of renewed political push. Leadership at his level demands a broader vision—one that not only sustains personal influence but also deliberately creates opportunities for others to rise. Like Chief James Ibori, who built a platform that enabled many Urhobo sons to emerge and thrive, Senator Omo-Agege should embrace the responsibility of lifting others. Today, Ibori remains one of the most prominent political figures from Urhobo land because he invested in people and nurtured leadership beyond himself.
It is worth recalling that despite Chief Great Ogboru contesting the governorship since 2003 without success, Ogboru’s commitment to building others never wavered. He played a pivotal role in supporting Senator Omo-Agege’s emergence in 2015 and provided the backing that helped secure his re-election in 2019, ultimately positioning him as a ranking senator and Deputy Senate President. That legacy of mentorship and political generosity is one that should now be replicated.
The time has come for Senator Omo-Agege to consciously support the emergence of a new generation of leaders. True leadership is not defined by personal advancement alone, but by the ability to raise others who may even surpass you. The Urhobo nation has stood firmly behind him over the years, offering unwavering support throughout his political journey. It is only fitting that he now reciprocates by empowering other Urhobo sons and daughters to attain prominence at both state and national levels.
There is also a concern that many political actors are increasingly focused on self-preservation rather than collective progress. This moment calls for a shift—a bold step toward statesmanship. Senator Omo-Agege must rise to the occasion, assume the role of a unifying figure, and act as a big brother to the Urhobo nation by fostering inclusiveness and growth.
Urhobo has produced only a few figures with strong national recognition beyond leaders like Chief Ibori. There is, therefore, an urgent need to expand that space by encouraging and supporting others to grow into influential national voices. By doing so, Senator Omo-Agege will not only solidify his legacy but also ensure that the Urhobo nation continues to thrive politically for generations to come.
Ultimately, the future of Delta Central politics must be guided by fairness, balance, and collective progress. The time has come to move away from outdated narratives and embrace a more equitable framework—one that gives every segment of the district a genuine sense of belonging and opportunity.
Signed:
Chief Philip Eyagomare
Chief Dave Emaniru
Chief Goddy Otubuere
Chief Tony Erukeme
Chief Tony Onyokoko
Archbishop Philip Orovwuje
Sir Henry Esiri
