UPU IN CRISIS: URHOBO YOUTHS RAISE ALARM, SEEK IBORI’S RETURN FOR UNITY, REBUILDING
By Rimawaglobalnews Correspondent | Abuja
The Joint Association of Niger Delta Ethnic Youths (JANDY), Urhobo Nation Chapter, has sounded a strong warning over what it described as the declining relevance of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), lamenting that the once-influential socio-cultural body has now been reduced to a mere social platform lacking direction and purpose.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National President, Hon. Mark Ikpuri, and made available to journalists through its Media Consultant, Chief Mathias Efe Olowu, the group expressed deep concern over the internal crisis rocking the UPU, particularly the controversies surrounding its recent leadership election.
JANDY blamed the situation on poor leadership and growing political interference, noting that such developments have eroded the core mandate of the union, which is to promote unity, development, and collective progress among the Urhobo people.
The group emphasized that UPU was never designed to serve as a political battleground, warning that the current trajectory risks further division among Urhobo sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora.
Calling for urgent action, the youth body urged all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, and community influencers, to set aside personal interests and work towards restoring the lost glory of the union.
JANDY particularly called for reconciliation with former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, whom it described as a unifying figure with a proven legacy of leadership and development across Urhobo land.
The group recalled that during Ibori’s administration, several Urhobo communities experienced significant transformation, with improved infrastructure, economic growth, and increased opportunities for residents.
It cited towns such as Osubi, Oghara, Abraka, and Ugolo as examples of areas that witnessed notable development, adding that such progress helped stimulate economic activities and uplift living standards across the region.
According to the statement, despite the presence of oil facilities and vast natural resources in Urhobo land, many communities continue to struggle economically, a situation JANDY described as unacceptable and avoidable.
The association appealed directly to Ibori to forgive past grievances and re-engage with his people in the interest of unity, peace, and sustainable development.
It further called on Urhobo traditional rulers to take the lead in facilitating reconciliation efforts, stressing that collective unity remains the only path to rebuilding strong socio-political institutions in the region.
“This is not a time for division but for reflection and unity. The future of the Urhobo nation depends on our ability to come together and rebuild what has been lost,” the statement concluded.
