Urhobo youths report Tidi to Oborevwori over desecration of symbol of unity, issue ultimatum

By Moses Darah

The Urhobo Youth Leaders’ Association (UYLA) and the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youthwing Worldwide, have reported the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon Dr. Michael Tidi to the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori over the desecration of the symbol of unity and oneness of the largest ethnic group in the State and issued a 14-day ultimatum.

In an open letter addressed to Governor Oborevwori and jointly signed by UYLA’s National President, Olorogun Samuel Onoriode Oghotomo JP; National Secretary, Chief Dr Augustine Ogheneovo Atiti; and UPU Youthwing’s National President, Activist Blessed Ughere; National Secretary, Omiragua Oghenegweke Egheneji drew the attention of the Governor to the sacrilegious actions of Tidi who allegedly destroyed the signpost at the Urhobo Cultural Centre along Okere Road, Otovwodo, Agbarha-Ame Kingdom.

The open letter, dated January 31, 2024, informed the Governor that Dr. Tidi deliberately destroyed the signpost at the historic Urhobo House, a symbol of their heritage and unity; a monument that has stood as a beacon of Urhobo culture and identity for decades, long before Dr. Tidi was born on 15th September, 1980.

The youths expressed concern over Tidi’s vindictive act that “We are deeply troubled by recent actions that appear to be aimed at erasing the Urhobo presence in Warri, especially in the aftermath of his loss in the PDP’s Primary of Warri South Constituency II House of Assembly election.

“Furthermore, we are concerned by reports that Dr. Michael Tidi, the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, boasted about his actions and expressed impunity while destroying the signpost.

“We urge His Excellency to intervene and appeal to Dr. Michael Tidi and his Itsekiri associates to desist from their vindictive actions against the Urhobo people in Warri.

“Dr. Tidi’s recent destructive acts, including the demolition of three signposts at Urhobo House in Okere-road, Agbarha-Ame Kingdom, and the reported manhandling of those who questioned his actions by soldiers allegedly in his employ, are deeply troubling. Additionally, we have received reports of his purported threat to further damage the Urhobo House.

“His reckless actions not only jeopardize the heritage and identity of the Urhobo people but also pose a risk of escalating ethnic tensions in the state.

“We urge His Excellency to compel Dr. Tidi to reinstate the signposts within the next 14 days and to issue an apology to the UPU. If this does not occur, we will not hesitate to pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that Dr. Tidi is held accountable for his actions.

“We trust in your commitment to justice and peace for all ethnic groups in the state, and we fervently hope for your swift and decisive action in this matter,” it added.