…Calls for Clarity on Process

ABUJA — The leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has issued a public statement distancing the organization from a letter sent to the National Security Adviser (NSA), dated 2nd June 2025, and attributed to its President General, Chief Ese Garn Owe.

In a joint statement signed by the UPU’s 3rd Deputy President General, Chief Dr. Ominimini Obiuwevbi, National Publicity Secretary, Chief Emiguren Djebah (JP), and National Financial Secretary, Chief Simon Asite (JP), the executives clarified that the said letter did not go through the proper consultation processes required within the Union’s structure.

According to the statement, the UPU operates a national executive council comprising several officials who should be consulted before major decisions are taken in the name of the Union. The executives expressed concern that such a letter — reportedly addressing issues surrounding Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited — may have unintended implications for the Urhobo community, particularly in terms of economic opportunities.

“The letter in question did not pass through the National Executive Council. For such correspondence to carry the full weight of the Union, it should have involved broader consultations,” the statement read.

The signatories further explained that contrary to claims that the letter reflected a consensus reached at a general assembly of the Urhobo Nation, no such assembly was held involving key stakeholders such as Urhobo monarchs, kingdom presidents, and other representative arms of the Union.

They called for transparency and adherence to UPU’s internal governance processes to avoid any misrepresentation or misunderstandings in the future.

“It is essential that decisions made in the name of the UPU reflect due process and collective agreement, in order to protect the integrity and unity of the Urhobo people,” the officials noted.

While acknowledging the importance of leadership initiative, they emphasized that inclusivity and collaboration remain core principles of the UPU’s founding vision. The officials urged the general public and the Urhobo community to note that the letter in question does not represent an official or collective position of the UPU.

As of the time of filing this report, Chief Ese Garn Owe had not issued a response to the clarification.