I am writing in response to Professor Patrick Muoboghare’s recent interview posted on October 5, 2024. We appreciate his efforts to shed light on the issue of foreign herdsmen and invaders affecting the agricultural sector of the Uwheru Kingdom and causing insecurity. We urge the Federal and State Governments, as well as the nation’s security agencies, to urgently address this problem.
However, we are concerned about Prof. Patrick Muoboghare’s reference to our revered Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ajuwe Simpson Sapele Obruche, Obruche 11, in a manner that appeared disrespectful to the Uwheru Monarchy.
Contrary to the impression Prof. Muoboghare conveyed in the interview, HRM Simpson Sapele Obruche has consistently spoken out about the insecurities caused by the foreign herdsmen in Uwheru. He is widely respected for always highlighting the problems affecting the Kingdom and its people.
In his speech during the presentation of the Staff of Office to him by the Delta State Governor in July 2023, HRM Obruche called for the establishment of permanent Police and Military presence in Uwheru, emphasizing that the Uwheru People are defenceless and are unable to access their farmlands and livelihoods. This information was reported in the media and documented in the Programme Brochure circulated on that day. Therefore, it is unfair for Prof. Muoboghare to imply in the interview that Ajuwe “is scared to speak on security issues…can be deposed since he is on government payroll….and so, he wouldn’t want to talk.” Prof backfired, big-time.
Everyone, including Prof Muoboghare, will acknowledge that HRM Obruche 11 does not play to the gallery. He is bold, fearless and could be brutally frank. Ajuwe is not infallible, but even those who disagree with him know he deeply loves Uwheru Kingdom, is not greedy for wealth and cannot be cowed from talking about any ill or perceived lopsidedness done against Uwheru and her people. No human is perfect. Individual perceptions and methods of wanting things done or corrected are naturally different. But it is unarguable that HRM Simpson Sapele Obruche’s crusade for accountability and adherence to Urhobo values, customs and traditions, among others, are virtues that should be commended and emulated by morally upright subjects and by every Urhobo, Deltan and Nigerian. It should not be scorned and painted in the media as a failing.
As an Academic, former Commissioner in the State, Community Leader, and respected member of the Uwheru Kingdom, Professor Muoboghare should inspire unity and progress and demonstrate respect and loyalty to the monarch. His divisive rhetoric in the interview undermines the unity of our kingdom. He should not be one to spread the dirty linens of the Kingdom to the public.
Diminishing the King’s reputation harms our entire community worldwide. We will not tolerate such disrespect. Our monarchy represents our heritage and unity. Individual egos or agendas must not desecrate or demystify the symbol of our shared ancestry and heritage.
Prof Muoboghare should channel his energy into improving the Uwheru Kingdom, promoting unity and coherence rather than creating divisions within the Kingdom. His role should be a true statesman. He should engage in constructive dialogue.
It is important to emphasize that anyone who uses demeaning language and engages in public criticism of his/her monarch diminishes himself, the Kingdom, and her people. We urge Professor Muoboghare to reflect on his actions and consider the harm they could cause and have caused.
Many departed and living Uwheru personalities have attained the status of heroes and legends due to their progressive activities and contributions toward the growth and development of the Kingdom. Names like Mr. John Udu, Chief Solomon Egube, Chief Mrs. Victoria Ovibi, and others resonate loudly. Chief Brown Bluff Ewenode Idigbe was also a Commissioner in his time, and his legacies and contributions to the Uwheru Kingdom reverberate to date. Another respected Uwheru son, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, is displaying selfless, passionate, and humanitarian activities in Uwheru, including an educational scholarship scheme for indigent Uwheru students. While serving as a two-term Federal Lawmaker in another geopolitical region, far away from home, Hon. Prince Emmanuel Egoh contributed to Uwheru’s growth and development with visible projects. However, it is worth questioning what specific benefits Professor Muoboghare’s long years in government brought to the Uwheru Kingdom. What legacy is he bequeathing to the Kingdom, particularly the younger generations? Is it a culture of expressing disdain for their ancestral heritage and traditions in the media and public space? A cocky display and culture of disrespect for the traditional leadership and the elders? His legacy of service should be measured by impact, not empty words. There are developmental, educational, and infrastructural issues across Uwheru begging to be solved through the intervention of the Government. Are we able to muster the necessary political clout and connections to get previous administrations and the current Government of the State to address these challenges for us? No!
Finally, let it be known that history would be unkind to those who threw away the opportunity to make the society better, peaceful, and cohesive. Almighty God, using Mother Providence, made HRM Simpson Sapele Obruche the Monarch of the ancient Uwheru Kingdom. Providence led Prof Muoboghare and other Uwheru personalities into Government, power, and prominence. On the Day of Reckoning, when our actions on Earth would be brought out for questioning, will God be made proud, or full of regrets? Let’s all think about this crucial question.
CHIEF (BARR). SUNNY ETUNE IDIGBE
The Avweroto’Uwheru of Uwheru Kingdom,
& President, Uwheru Community Union in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
