Of late the concept of Okpe Identity has gained currency in several political discourse in Delta State. While the proponents, championed by the Okpe Union posit that Okpe is an independent ethnic nationality with unique characteristics, a position that was proclaimed and brilliantly articulated by no less a person than HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, on September 3, 2007, some Okpe politicians in alliance with anti-Okpe elements in Delta Central Senatorial district are peddling a contrary view anchored by cheap political aggrandizements with the 2023 elections in view. The main thrust of this group’s argument is that the Urhobo should not be angered by our agitation for the recognition of Okpe as an independent ethnic nationality BEFORE the 2023 elections so as to, in their calculation, convince the Urhobo to endorse an Okpe candidate for governor in Delta State. Their stratagem is based on a LIE.  A very top chieftain of Udogun Okpe averred: “Let us secure the governorship first then we can declare Okpe as an independent ethnic nationality after.”  Interestingly, this is the position of several Okpe politicians and social analysts. This thinking disregards the probability of a defeat at the governorship elections. Assuming that an Okpe candidate fails to win the governorship elections, will Udogun Okpe and its political class then join the agitation for Okpe Identity? 

As a student of History and Politics, one is aware of the role of lies and deceptions in political calculous. But the Okpe Union anchors its position on a fundamental principle of the rights of indigenous peoples to self-determination and independence. This right cannot be compromised on the alter of lies and deceptions to secure a governorship ticket. We firmly believe that there are Okpe candidates who would be proud to publicly proclaim their Okpe ethnicity as they contest for the governorship and other elective positions, irrespective of the views of the Urhobo.  It is ridiculous and a betrayal of Okpe nationality to mollify Urhobo at the expense of Okpe Identity.   

Recently, very recently, a very top chieftain of the Okpe Kingdom declared that the agitation for Okpe Identity alienates the Urhobo and could jeopardize an alliance building with the Urhobo at a time when we need to construct alliances with several ethnic nationalities. This postulation is weak as it gives false status to a perceived Urhobo “hegemony” in Delta State.  The truth is that Okpe is the most populous ethnic nationality in Delta State, and its assertion of its independence will significantly reduce the Urhobo population as the 5^th or 6^th most populous ethnic group in Nigeria. This fact remains a crucial factor in Urhobo’s opposition to Okpe Identity. Okpe is capable of constructing bilateral and multilateral alliances with all ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria, including the Urhobo, on the basis of mutual interests.

Some opponents of Okpe Identity argue that Okpe is a “dialect” and a “clan” of Urhobo just as, for example, Uvwie is a “dialect” or “clan” of Urhobo. We Okpe cannot speak for the Uvwie, but we firmly assert that Okpe is Okpe and not a sub-group of any other ethnic nationality. It may sound repetitious, but it is vitally important that the historical fact be stressed against the onslaught of lies based on false political exigencies. When our forefathers, the four princely brother – Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke and Esezi – established the Okpe Kingdom, it was established as an independent ethnic nationality and not as a “clan” of any other ethnic nationality. Another fact is that the establishment of the Okpe Union predated the formation of the Urhobo Progress Union. That both Okpe and Urhobo cooperated on several issues did not mean the extinguishment of Okpe nationality. The reference being made that many Okpe nationals speak Urhobo as their first language is a misguided analytical tool to suggest that Okpe is Urhobo. This situation emerged during the colonial era as the teaching of Urhobo language was encouraged by the colonial administration in what was then known as Urhobo Division.  In fact, that my first language was English DID NOT make me an Englishman.

The Ukrainians experienced a similar colonial policy for centuries as almost all Ukrainians spoke Russian as their first language. It was only during the last thirty (30) years that Ukraine began to freely express itself as Ukrainian. 

The struggle for the recognition of Okpe as an independent ethnic nationality will be won by Okpe nationals via the Okpe General Assembly (Okpe Agbamueni). The Udogun Okpe does not possess any unilateral powers on this subject.  It is intriguingly interesting to note that those Okpe that take shelter in waiting for Udogun Okpe’s pronouncement that Okpe is Okpe before they recognize Okpe Identity, are simply engaged in self-deceit.  They are Okpe that believe in Okpe Identity, but constrained by their false political calculations. Thus, as stated above, they have compromised their eternal interest (Okpe Identity) for a momentary (an uncertain governorship) political subservience.