Urhobo People Of Nigeria

07/04/2026

07/04/2026

*Happy Easter and Resurrection Sunday..* 🧚🏽‍♂️🧚🏽‍♂️

For us with African Church roots very early this morning it is...

*Obomane oo Obomane Uchin 'irenre ....Jesu Bomane* ....
( He is Risen He is Risen from the grave today).

An expose on a central figure on the foundation of Christianity in Uvwie who is also our grandfather ( my maternal) is shared below 👇👇 as a part of the Easter Bundle delight..

May the blessings of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ rest upon us all...Amen

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

*A HERO OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN UVWIE KINGDOM AND THE URHOBO NATION* - BE INSPIRED

The history of **Pa Amofoye Emakpor (often written as Omofoye Emakpo)** is closely connected with the **early spread of Christianity in Urhoboland and the founding of the first African-led church congregation in Effurun, Uvwie Kingdom**. His life represents one of the earliest examples of indigenous Christian leadership among the Urhobo people in the early twentieth century.

*Early Life and Background*

Pa Amofoye Emakpor was an Urhobo Christian pioneer from Erovie Quarters Effurun in present-day Uvwie Kingdom, Delta State, Nigeria**.

He lived through the late 19th and early 20th centuries—a time when Christianity was spreading across the Niger Delta through European missions such as the **Church Missionary Society** and the **Niger Delta Pastorate**.

Unlike many converts who simply joined missionary churches, Pa Amofoye became an **active evangelist and community organiser**, helping to plant Christian congregations among the Urhobo people.

*Role in the Spread of Christianity in Urhoboland*

Before establishing the church in Effurun, Pa Amofoye Emakpor was involved in **missionary outreach across several Urhobo communities**. Historical records indicate that he helped plant or support early congregations in areas such as:

* Oguname
* Oghara
* Ikwewhu
* Ovwodokpokpo
* Ekrerhavwen
* Uvwiama (Agbarho area)

These activities were connected to the early Christian expansion in the Western Niger Delta during the colonial period.

Through these efforts, he gained a reputation as a **grassroots Christian organiser and evangelist** among the Urhobo people.

Conflict with Mission Authorities

A major turning point in his life occurred around **1915–1916**.

At the time, the church in Effurun area had contributed money to the Niger Delta Pastorate with the expectation that a **church teacher or catechist would be posted to their congregation**. When this promise was not fulfilled, Pa Amofoye challenged the mission leadership.

He even **took legal action against the church authorities** to recover the funds collected from members. The court ruled in his favour and the money was refunded.

This episode illustrates his determination to protect the interests of local converts and to ensure that indigenous Christians were treated fairly.

*Establishment of St Peter African Church, Effurun*

Following the dispute with the mission authorities, Pa Amofoye and his followers **severed their ties with the Niger Delta Pastorate around 1915**.

They then aligned themselves with the **African Church Mission**, a denomination that emerged in Nigeria as an **African-controlled alternative to European missionary dominance*.

Through this movement he helped establish what became known as:

**St Peter African Church Effurun**

*HIS WALK OF FAITH*

Of particular interest is the story of his walk of faith in God.

In the introduction of the Christian faith to a wholly traditional society as Uvwie, he encountered fierce opposition. The most notable of these was his de-mystification of an aspect of *the festival of IRUKPERI* - celebrated every 25th year in Uvwie. This is the festival at the heart of the movement as people from Effurun Otor to Uvwie.

This festival takes a full year of preparation where all domestic needs of the family are gathered and stored as farming is not allowed during the period of celebrations. At the end of this festival whatever that is left is prepared and left at the door of every home / family for the deity to consume. During the time of the visitation of the deity all persons must leave home/towns to their farm settlement/houses to stay.

Omofoye now as a Christian refused to go to his farm house. He stayed behind alone even when his family left for his farm house to await the said deity.

What he witnessed was rather an organized arrangement of leaders and elders of the kingdom of the various quarters exchange the eating assignment.. Erovie Quarter leaders exchanged with Jakpa Quarter while Alaka Quarter exchanged with Ogbe Quarters...

He heard their voices from within his home and recognizing some of them could not resist the urge to engage... So he came out of his house and confronted them with a call for them all to stop the deceit.

His actions were considered sacrilegious and was invited to the Kingdom Council for atonement. He refused and necessary sanctions were imposed.

The consequence of the sanction "by the understanding" was that all his children died one after the other. .. He also being a carpenter had at the death of every child, constructed a coffin.. put the dead child into it and dug the grave, carried the dead child into the church for a burial mass which he then officiated as the priest, after which he buried.

This he did till the last child died and was buried. He has become "accursed" as no woman was willing to be with him for fear of losing their children... But still his faith was sure... *"Fastened to the Rock which cannot move".*

To appease the deity, his two younger sisters became " *Ireren " priestesses to the deity* . This they claimed was to protect their only brother whose genealogy is about to be cut off.

Anyways, this festival was never celebrated again in Uvwie since the so-called sacred component of the deity has been broken.

Years passed by and he continued in his work of church and school planting across the Urhobo Nation ... *and then God in his set time* honored his faith with 8 children in his much later years... He was so far in age that his children had to address him as "Ebaba" (Grandfather).. with a life span of about 122 years (estimated) in 1980 when he passed into Glory.......one of the sisters also came back to join him in church.

This church is widely regarded in local tradition as **the earliest organized African Church congregation in Effurun and one of the first in Uvwie territory**.

The founding of the church represented:

* Indigenous leadership in Christianity
* Religious independence from foreign control
* The localization of Christian worship among the Urhobo people

Legacy in Uvwie Kingdom

Pa Amofoye Emakpor’s work had lasting influence in **Uvwie religious and social history**:

1. **Introduction of indigenous church leadership** in Effurun.
2. **Foundation of one of the earliest churches in Uvwie Kingdom.**
3. Inspiration for later Christian movements in the region.
4. Contribution to the broader history of **African-initiated churches in the Niger Delta and Nigeria**.

His story is often remembered as an example of how **ordinary local leaders shaped the spread of Christianity in Urhoboland**, not just foreign missionaries.

✅ **Historical significance**

Pa Amofoye Emakpor is remembered as:

* A **pioneer Urhobo Christian leader**
* A **founder of St Peter African Church Effurun**
* One of the **early indigenous champions of African-controlled Christianity in the Niger Delta**

*Conclusion: A Life That Still Speaks**

The life of Pa Amofoye Emakpor is more than history—it is a message.

A message of:

* Courage in the face of opposition
* Faith in the midst of loss
* Truth in the presence of deception
* Endurance through suffering

His story reminds us that the spread of Christianity in Africa was not only the work of foreign missionaries—but also of **brave indigenous men and women who paid the price for truth**.

**Be inspired.**

By Prince Randolph ErumaGborie

Copied

31/03/2026

🕯️ CELEBRATION OF LIFE | CHIEF PETER SANIYO EKPIWHRE JP -The Tusewve of Olomu Kingdom ,The Aghighorovie of Ughelli Kingdom

The Urhobo community recently gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of one of its most cherished icons, Chief P Ekpiwhre, in a colorful and heartwarming Celebration of Life organized by his children.

The event, which was a resounding success, brought together family, friends, well-wishers, and dignitaries to honor a man whose life embodied the values, strength, and spirit of the Urhobo people.

It was not a moment of mourning, but a grand tribute to a life beautifully and purposefully lived.🌹🕊️

18/03/2026

The Urhobo Man

the Near Future Urhobo Nation may never again have notable Businessmen like Olorogun Michael Ibru, Chief Mukoro Mowoe, Chief Ovedje Osadjere, TEA Salubi, Chief David Omueya Dafinone, Olorogun Morrisons Olori, Chief Gamaliel Onosode, Chief James Okpoko Edewor, Chief Joseph Akpolo Ikutegbe, Chief Governor Uloho, Chief Benjamin Okumagba Chief Humphrey Irikefe Idisi, Envangelist Prince Cousin Mosheshe, Chief Odibo, P B Djeba, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe, Chief Ekpighwre, Chief Jackson Adjogri, Chief Patrick Bolokor, Chief Lord Alams Obarovbe, Alfred Riwane, Great Ovedje Ogboru . (The fish Marchant) who later jumped into our destructive Politics. And others too numerous to mention .

Our attention has 100% shifted to Politics, Politics is now the Real Business in town.

No matter how prominent or high in Politics you are, you can never beat the record of this Men.

Today our Youths major ambition is to become SA, PA, SSA to one Politician or the other.

The Urhobo nation has a rich history of commerce, with several pioneers building massive conglomerates and laying the foundation for modern entrepreneurship in Nigeria, particularly in the mid-20th century.

Here is a list of great Urhobo business men of the past:

Olorogun Michael Ibru (1930–2016): Often regarded as the foremost Urhobo businessman and one of Nigeria's greatest industrialist pioneers. He founded the Ibru Organization, building a vast conglomerate that started with frozen fish and expanded into banking (Oceanic Bank), hospitality (Sheraton), agriculture, and air transport.

Chief Mukoro Mowoe (1890–1948): A pioneer general merchant, importer, and exporter who operated out of Warri. He dealt in rubber, palm produce, and piassava and established substantial rubber plantations near Amukpe.

Ovedje Osadjere: Often cited as the first Urhobo multi-millionaire, known for building the first storey building in Ovwor Olomu in 1914. He established Sadjere Fisheries, a precursor to modern maritime business.

Chief David Omueya Dafinone (1927–2019): A renowned accountant and politician. He founded D.O. Dafinone & Co. and was recognized in the Guinness World Records for having the highest number of chartered accountants in one family.

Gamaliel Onosode (1933–2015): A highly respected administrator and investment expert who brought intellectual rigor to Nigerian corporate governance.

James Okpoko Edewor: A prominent businessman whose interests contributed to the economic development of the Bendel region.

Joseph Akpolo Ikutegbe: A pioneer who is credited as the first Urhobo man to single-handedly sponsor an oversea scholarship, highlighting early investments in human capital.

Governor Uloho: A pioneering businessman whose activities in the early-to-mid 20th century helped build Urhobo commercial enterprise.

Benjamin Okumagba: A major figure in the commercial and social landscape of Warri, often linked with the industrial growth of the region.

These men were instrumental in strengthening the image of the Urhobo nation within Nigeria and providing employment opportunities for thousands, Our Young People should emulate this Great Men of the Past. We need great businessmen in our Land

Source Efe Okore

04/03/2026

A confession of an Urhobo woman!!

The Urhobo Man !!

26/02/2026

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, paid her first official visit to Delta State and her ancestral home, where she was received at the Olu Palace by the Executive Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; the Council of Chiefs; and the Ooni of Ife.

25/02/2026

Meet Reverend,Bible Teacher
Oghogho Amanda Bedzrah.

I’m truly honoured to share that Empower a Woman Ministries is now an official YouVersion Partner.

Through the ministry, I will be sharing Bible-based devotionals on the YouVersion Bible App, reaching a global readership through one of the most widely used Bible platforms in the world.

After years of writing and publishing books and devotionals, writing prayer resources and contributing to Rooted, a devotional journal resource from Bible Society UK, and teaching Scripture with depth and conviction, this milestone reflects the fruit of disciplined study and faithful preparation.

This is truly a “God did it” moment, and I am deeply humbled by His grace. Please thank Him with me.

Our first seven-day devotional,
BOLDER: Stepping Out by Stepping Into God’s Word,
is now live.

If you are on YouVersion, I invite you to follow our page and begin the journey. I believe this plan, and the ones to come, will bless you and speak directly into real seasons of life. Enjoy it and share it with someone who may need encouragement.

Here is the link:

https://www.bible.com/organizations/8d05b91d-f0a4-475e-a2fc-792b5c350cb9?utm_source=yvapp&utm_medium=share&utm_content=partner-page

Thank you for walking this journey with me.

With love,

Amanda

25/02/2026

The Osuvie of Agbarho!

The Agbarho kingdom is the gateway into Urhobo land and the dialect has been chosen oke for all to speak and understand.

19/02/2026

The Main Auditorium Complex of Southern Delta University, Orerokpe

18/02/2026

The Office of the Senator Representing Delta Central Senatorial District is pleased to notify the people of Delta Central that the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has commenced applications for the 2026/2027 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS).

Qualified and interested candidates are invited to apply for MSc and PhD programmes at approved overseas institutions. The application portal opened on Friday, 16 January 2026, and will close on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Application portal: https://scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng
For more information: https://ptdf.gov.ng

Eligible applicants are advised to apply early.

Signed:
Media Unit
Office of Senator Ede Dafinone
Friday, 13 February 2026

29/01/2026

The Urhobo Man

Meet the Celebrity Conductor! There is Pride in the work of your hands!

18/01/2026

The Urhobo Man

Chief Francis Okumagba!

Francis embodies a deep commitment to his culture and community. As the Awhotu of the kingdom, he actively participates in and supports the initiatives of the Okere Urhobo Kingdom in Warri South local government, as well as the broader Urhobo and Delta communities.

He is one of the conveners of the Urhobo Foundation, a think tank dedicated to the interests of the Urhobo people. His leadership experience includes serving as the president of the prestigious Atamu Social Club of Nigeria.

A devoted Catholic, Francis is an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church Maitama, where he has held various leadership roles, including former President of the Laity Council and Vice President of the Catholic Men Organization. He was also the Chairman of the EdoDelta Catholic Community and contributes significantly to the church's activities, including fundraising efforts for various projects.

In addition to his religious commitments, Francis is a philanthropist who celebrates special occasions with the less privileged and is a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club. His contributions have earned him numerous awards, including the “Ahmadu Bello Platinum Leadership Award of Excellence” from the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria and an Award of Excellence from the World Financial Group Canada.

Though not a politician, Francis brings joy and energy to any gathering, making him a beloved figure in his community. He is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and businesses, leaving a positive impact wherever he goes.

Source - LinkedIn Francis Okumagba.