Vote of Confidence: NAUPO Renews Adaboke’s Mandate, Swears In Executive For Second Tenure

By Henry Ubus

The National Association of Urhobo Professional Orators (NAUPO) has passed a vote of confidence on its President-General, His Knowledge, Chief (Comrade) Emmanuel Adaboke, and his executive members, endorsing their leadership for another three-year tenure.

The endorsement followed the successful completion of their first tenure, with members expressing confidence in the administration’s leadership and contributions to the growth and development of the association.

Adaboke and members of his executive council were subsequently sworn into office for their second tenure at the association’s Orators’ Day celebration and swearing-in ceremony held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Oviorie-Ovu, the headquarters of NAUPO in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The oath of office was administered by Chief Emmanuel Degema Ophiému, Esq., formally ushering in the President-General and his team for another three years of service.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adaboke expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his administration’s first tenure and appreciated members for the confidence reposed in his leadership through their decision to return the executive unopposed.

He also paid tribute to the founding father of the association, late Chief (Prof.) Samson Akpomedaye Ofua, for his vision and foresight in establishing an organisation which, according to him, had created employment opportunities for over 2,000 Urhobo sons and daughters.

He noted that the association had also provided a platform through which comedians and motivational speakers acquired valuable professional experience.

The President-General welcomed dignitaries, political leaders, invited guests, award recipients, patrons, matrons and members of the association, commending them for honouring the invitation despite their busy schedules.

Adaboke particularly appreciated the reconciliation committee chaired by Chief (Prof.) Eugene Ewhubare Adegor for its successful intervention in resolving disagreements among aggrieved members, noting that the reconciliation process had restored peace and unity within the association.

He also acknowledged Chief (Dr.) Power Onojete for providing the venue where the reconciliation meetings were held.

Similarly, he commended the electoral committee and Orators’ Day planning committee, headed by Evangelist Super Oruke, for their dedication and commitment towards the successful organisation of the event.

The President-General further recognised the contributions of his executive members, particularly those who consistently attended meetings and participated in the association’s activities.

He singled out Chief Daniel Tokutu, the Emuisigbanor of Urhobo Orators and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), for his commitment, fatherly guidance and contributions to the growth of the association.

He also expressed appreciation to Chief (Prof.) Joseph Efemena Aphia for his solidarity, unwavering support and advisory role throughout his administration.

Adaboke thanked members for the confidence reposed in his leadership, particularly for returning him and his executive members unopposed for another three-year tenure, describing the endorsement as a demonstration of trust and encouragement to do more.

He equally acknowledged the contributions of the association’s matron, Madam Masajuwa, popularly known as Oniomovurinrin of Urhobo Orators, as well as past award recipients who provided financial assistance towards the success of the celebration.

Reviewing his administration’s performance, Adaboke listed the fencing of the association’s permanent site, although yet to be completed, as one of its major achievements, explaining that the project had helped address longstanding boundary disputes and encroachment concerns.

Other achievements included financial assistance to members facing difficulties, prompt attention to disputes involving zones and individual members, reconciliation of aggrieved members, creation of additional zones to strengthen the association’s finances and revival of previously inactive zones.

He also mentioned the association’s ability to meet its financial obligations without indebtedness to celebrants or groups, as well as efforts to engage government officials and other stakeholders towards securing greater recognition and support for NAUPO.

Despite the achievements, the President-General identified poor attendance at national meetings, failure by some members to pay monthly dues and social levies, disloyalty, unnecessary attacks on association leaders and deviation from the organisation’s founding ideals as major challenges.

He lamented that some members concentrated their participation at the zonal level while neglecting the national body, a development he said had weakened collective decision-making and affected the association’s overall development.

Adaboke also expressed concern over the non-payment of dues by some members, noting that the situation made it difficult for zonal leaders to fulfil their financial obligations to the national body.

He appealed to members to respect constituted authority, desist from abusive language and unnecessary attacks on leaders, and recognise that leadership positions are rotational.

According to him, members must understand that those occupying leadership positions today may be succeeded by others tomorrow, stressing the need for mutual respect, loyalty and discipline.

He further warned against practices that undermine the association’s code of conduct, emphasising that NAUPO was established in 1950, according to his address, to preserve and promote Urhobo cultural heritage, including its traditions, ethics, norms and values, and transmit them to younger generations.

The President-General regretted that some members had increasingly prioritised material rewards at the expense of the association’s original cultural mission.

He urged professional orators to return to the founding ideals of the organisation and ensure that the promotion of Urhobo culture remained their primary responsibility.

Drawing attention to the association’s permanent secretariat, Adaboke described the building as a major administrative project requiring urgent financial intervention to bring it to completion.

He appealed to invited guests, patrons, matrons, award recipients, stakeholders and other well-meaning individuals to support the association financially, stressing that the completion of the secretariat would provide a befitting administrative base for NAUPO.

He assured members of his continued commitment to the association, pledging not to disappoint the confidence reposed in him and promising to do more with their collective support.

The event also featured the recognition of distinguished personalities for their contributions to the promotion of Urhobo oratory and cultural heritage.

Adaboke concluded by appreciating everyone who contributed to the success of the celebration and prayed for journey mercies for all participants.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of the association and the preservation of Urhobo cultural heritage.