Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has commiserated with the people of Udu Kingdom, the royal family and the entire Urhobo Nation over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, on February 24, 2025, at 86.
Reacting to the sad news, Senator Dafinone expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the revered monarch, noting that his demise has created a big void in the Udu Kingdom and Urhobo Nation that will be difficult to fill.
Commiserating with the royal family, the Urhobo Nation, and the people of the Udu Kingdom. In a statement, Dafinone said: “I, Senator Ede Dafinone, on behalf of my family and the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, extend my deepest condolences to the Urhobo Nation, the Udu Kingdom, and the entire royal family on the passing of His Royal Majesty, Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, who joined his ancestors on February 24, 2025, at the age of 86.
“The official announcement made yesterday, Wednesday, by the Kingdom’s spokesman, High Chief (Sir) Samuelson Esikomunu Odibo, on behalf of the Udu Council of Chiefs, confirmed this great loss, which has left a deep void not only in Udu Kingdom but across Urhobo land and Delta State as a whole. His Royal Majesty’s 31 years of reign on the throne were marked by wisdom, peace, and unwavering commitment to the progress and unity of his people.
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“His Royal Majesty Owhorhu I, was a revered monarch, a legal luminary, and a father figure whose leadership brought remarkable development, cultural pride, and stability to Udu Kingdom. His legacies of justice, and community service will continue to speak for him in the hearts of his people and generations yet unborn.
“As we mourn this irreparable loss, I join the entire Urhobo Nation in praying for the peaceful repose of his noble soul and for God to grant the royal family, the Udu Traditional Council of Chiefs, and all sons and daughters of Udu Kingdom the strength to bear this loss.
“May the enduring legacy of His Royal Majesty, Owhorhu I, continue to inspire unity, peace, and progress in Udu Kingdom and the entire Urhobo Nation.”
The late monarch’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era of leadership, as the Udu people and the broader Urhobo community reflect on his contributions to cultural pride, development, and peace.