A former Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education and respected academic, Professor Hope O’Rukevbe Eghagha, has joined the chorus of tributes pouring in following the passage of His Royal Majesty, Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom.
In a statement on Friday, Prof. Eghagha, who described Udu as his ancestral maternal homeland, paid glowing tribute to the late monarch’s leadership, which spanned over three decades.
“On behalf of my family, I join the warm-hearted people of Uduland to mourn the passing of His Royal Majesty,” Prof. Eghagha stated. “Under his calm leadership, the Udu people made giant development strides, aided by his unrelenting commitment to unity across the kingdom”, he stated.
Owhorhu I, who reigned for 31 years, was widely revered for his wisdom, humility, and dedication to peace and progress. His passing on February 24, 2025, marked the end of an era that saw Udu Kingdom rise in cultural prominence and socio-economic advancement.
Prof. Eghagha also prayed for a smooth and divinely guided transition process as the kingdom prepares for a new phase of leadership. “We pray God Almighty to ease the process of transition to a new leadership,” he said.
He added, “We shall see HRM again on the day of the resurrection”, and urged the people of Udu Kingdom to remain united during the transition period.
