As political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Orhue I, CFR, mni, has issued a strong warning to politicians and their supporters, saying “no political ambition is worth sacrificing the peace, unity and security of the people.”
The revered monarch gave the warning on Wednesday while offering royal prayers and blessings to Senator Ede Dafinone and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates during a courtesy visit by the senator-led delegation to his palace in Okpe Kingdom.
The visit was aimed at formally seeking the monarch’s royal blessings ahead of the commencement of their electioneering activities.
But beyond the traditional prayers, the Orodje delivered a pointed message on the conduct of the forthcoming elections, making it clear that political rivalry must never degenerate into violence, intimidation or the breakdown of communal harmony.
The monarch, who reaffirmed his non-partisan position as the traditional ruler of Okpe Kingdom, stressed that his overriding responsibility remained the peace, unity and development of the kingdom, irrespective of political affiliations.
He cautioned politicians and their supporters against carrying weapons, threatening opponents, intimidating voters or engaging in any conduct capable of provoking violence during the campaign season.
According to him, the pursuit of political power must not become an excuse for endangering lives or destroying the longstanding peaceful coexistence among the people.
The Orodje also challenged the APC campaign team to take grassroots engagement seriously, urging its members to reach out directly to voters across communities in Sapele Local Government Area.
He emphasised that electoral success could not be achieved through assumptions, political titles or campaign rhetoric alone, but required sustained mobilisation, effective communication and meaningful interaction with the electorate.
The monarch maintained that candidates seeking public office must demonstrate commitment and diligence by taking their messages to every community and engaging voters on issues that matter to them.
Following his remarks, the Orodje offered royal prayers for Senator Dafinone, the APC House of Assembly candidate for Sapele Constituency I, Hon. Chief Perkins Umukoro, Hon. Ejiro Jamani and other members of the delegation, wishing them success in their political engagements.
Earlier, Senator Dafinone explained that the delegation’s visit was borne out of respect for the traditional institution and recognition of the Orodje’s position as the custodian of the cultural heritage and traditional authority of Okpe Kingdom.
Describing the monarch’s blessing as important to their political journey, the senator said the delegation could not embark on its campaign without first seeking the royal father’s prayers.
“As sons of the kingdom, we are about to embark on our campaign, and we cannot proceed without your royal blessing. We seek your support in our quest to bring honour to both the kingdom and the nation,” Dafinone stated.
The senator also expressed confidence in the APC’s political structure in Sapele, describing the campaign team as a collection of experienced political leaders prepared to mobilise support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the senator to speak on national economic developments and the performance of the Delta State Government.
Dafinone commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that the policies were beginning to produce positive results despite the economic difficulties facing Nigerians and the uncertainties in the global economy.
He maintained that the reforms had strengthened the financial capacity of state governments, creating greater opportunities for administrations to execute development projects and implement programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
He specifically linked the increased fiscal capacity to development activities under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, expressing confidence in the governor’s re-election prospects.
Dafinone attributed his assessment to what he described as the governor’s growing popularity and the development initiatives being implemented by his administration.
The delegation was led by former Sapele Local Government Chairman and Chairman of the Sapele APC Campaign Council, Chief Eugene Inoaghan.
Other prominent members included Delta Central APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki; Sapele Local Government Chairman, Hon. Chief Bright Abeke; Deputy Chairman of the Sapele Campaign Council, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor; and Sapele Campaign Coordinator, Chief Cyril Ogodo.
Also in attendance were Chief Ramson Onoyake, Chief Julius Egbedi, DESOPADEC Commissioner; Hon. Churchill Ayomanor, Chairman of Sapele Okpe Community; Chief Austin Arieja; Chief Austin Opubor; Chief Patrick Akamovba; Chief Godwin Dadi; Hon. Chief Richard Okotie; Chief Kingsley Abeke; Chief Tom Anirah; and Chief Babuba Moses Abeke, among other prominent sons and daughters of Okpe Kingdom.
The palace visit marks part of the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
However, the Orodje’s intervention placed a critical responsibility before all political actors: campaigns must be conducted with restraint, respect for opposing views and regard for human life.
As the political contest approaches, the monarch’s message is unmistakable — political ambition must never come at the expense of peace, and no candidate or party should place victory above the safety and unity of the people.
