Ukoko r’Ivie r’Urhobo Mandates Palace Representatives To Liaise With Oil, Gas Firms, Ministries.

By Henry Ubus

The Ukoko r’Ivie r’Urhobo, the apex traditional council of Urhobo kings, has formally given its mandate and blessings to the Urhobo Nation Palace Representatives on Oil and Gas to engage multi- national oil and gas companies as well as relevant government ministries on behalf of Urhobo monarchs.

The mandate was handed down today Monday 15/12/25, at the Palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, during a meeting presided over by the Chairman of Ukoko r’Ivie r’Urhobo and Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Abe I.

Speaking at the event, Abe I noted that although all the twenty-four kingdoms in Urhobo Nation are oil and gas producing domains, Urhobo monarchs have historically been accorded little or no respect by oil and gas companies operating in their territories.

He expressed satisfaction with the formation of the Urhobo Nation Palace Representatives on Oil and Gas, stressing that the body would ensure that the collective interests of Urhobo kings are properly represented, projected, and protected in dealings with industry operators and government agencies.

While formally presenting the letter of authorization, the Chairman of Ukoko r’Ivie r’Urhobo stated that the palace representatives are empowered to liaise with oil and gas companies as well as oil and gas-related ministries on matters affecting the Urhobo kingdoms.

In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of Ukoko r’Ivie r’Urhobo and Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Okukeren III, offered prayers for the success of the group in the discharge of its responsibilities.

Responding, the Chairman of the Urhobo Nation Palace Representatives on Oil and Gas, Chief Wilson Ejeben, assured the council of the group’s determination to faithfully serve and deliver on the mandate entrusted to it.

Chief Ejeben, who is the Isio of Udu Kingdom, pledged that the representatives would act with diligence and integrity, adding that the body would make the monarchs of Urhobo Nation proud.

Other members of the leadership, including the Vice Chairman, Chief Edward Ajobo; the Legal Adviser, Princess Precious Onojegbe; Chief Francis Irikefe; and Chief Okorodudu, affirmed that their mandate would address and correct past injustices suffered by Urhobo kings in their engagements with oil and gas companies.

Also speaking, Chief Philip Edebor, a close associate of Chief Ejeben, expressed confidence that Urhobo monarchs stand to gain significantly from the administrative experience and leadership capacity of the chairman of the palace representatives.

The Urhobo Nation Palace Representatives on Oil and Gas are drawn from the various kingdoms across Urhobo Nation, reflecting a broad-based approach to advancing the collective interests of the traditional institution in the oil and gas sector.