A video of HRM Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, claiming “Okpe is a dialect of Urhobo” sparked controversy in November 2025, denying Okpe’s distinct ethnic nationality. The Okpe Union rejected the claim, citing history: Okpe descended from Benin Kingdom princes (1483-1504 AD), with unique language, culture, ancestry. British colonials grouped Okpe as “Western Urhobo” for convenience, not ethnography.
“The Orodje’s statement undermines centuries of advocacy,” said Barr. Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin. “When leadership claims another nation’s identity, they destroy their own.” Prof. Kenneth Eni added, Urhobo themselves don’t consider Okpe Urhobo. The Okpe monarchy hosted a 2006 conference affirming Okpe identity, but HRM Orhue I later cautioned against pursuing recognition, citing political ambitions.
Critics allege internal actors with Urhobo ties influenced the Orodje. Consequences loom: governance, education, representation suffer without recognition. “The monarchy must remain custodian of Okpe identity,” urged the Okpe Union.
