Entrepreneur and Chairman of O-Secul Nigeria Limited, Engr. Mike Orugbo, has accepted the call to ascend the throne as the next Ovie of the Udu people in Delta State.
His acceptance follows the passing of HRM Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe Esq., the former Ovie of Udu Kingdom, and growing calls for a new monarch from within and beyond the kingdom
This pivotal development came after a visit by the leadership of the Okporua Ruling House to Orugbo’s residence in Ogbe-Udu on Thursday. The delegation, acting in accordance with the 1979 Edict guiding royal succession, comprised Presidents, Secretaries, Youth Leaders, Women, and Elders from the five Okporua communities: Ogbe-Udu, Oghior, Ukpiovwin, Okolor-Waterside, and Okolor-Inland. They earnestly appealed to Engr. Orugbo to accept the revered position.
The visit followed persistent efforts by community leaders, religious figures, political stakeholders, and professionals to persuade him to accept the crown. Despite previously expressing contentment with a quiet retirement after decades in the oil sector, the widespread show of support ultimately convinced him.
During the event, Deacon Nigeria Okorode, speaking on behalf of the communities, passionately urged Orugbo to accept the kingship, stating that Udu required strong and visionary leadership. He described Orugbo’s potential ascension as a source of immense pride for the kingdom.
Grateful for the unanimous endorsement by the Okporua Ruling House—the traditional authority empowered to nominate a new King—Engr. Orugbo acknowledged the unity behind the call.
“I belong to you all, and you are part of me. If my family and community have come together in support, I have no choice but to accept. I hereby declare my acceptance to be the next King of Udu Kingdom. With your encouragement, we will work towards a prosperous future for Udu,” he declared.
The announcement was met with jubilation as those present broke into song and dance, celebrating the emergence of a qualified and widely supported leader.
Subsequently, chiefs and dignitaries from all seven ruling houses of Udu paid homage to the new monarch. Representing the Owhorhu Ruling House were Chief C.C.I Whiliki and Chief Udumarho Segba, while Okporua was represented by Chief Luke Djebah, Chief Okoro Tagbovwere, and Engr. Alex Neyin, who holds the traditional authority to crown Kings.
Other notable figures in attendance included Chief Akunuhor Esiso, Hon. Jonathan Karo Goru, and Engr. Nelson Odien. Chiefs from the Orhuwhorun, Adadja, Owhrode, and Uloho Ruling Houses were also present, including Chief B.J Egbetamah, Chief Millicent Miller, Chief Eddie Ono-Sorhue, Dcn. Raymond Edijala, Chief Mike Oghenekaro, Barr. Moses Odibo, Chief Richard Odibo, Chief Austin Emaduku, Chief James Akpowan, Hon. Justice Irikefe Iyasere, Chief Steve Sokoh, Chief Henry Afure Sakpra, and Hon. Henry Apunu, leader of the Udu Legislative Arm from the Ovwian Ruling House.
All attending chiefs pledged their loyalty to Engr. Mike Orugbo and called on the community to unite behind their new monarch to advance Udu’s development. Barr. Moses Uchere, President of the Oghior community and Chairman of the Forum of Community Presidents in the Okporua Ruling House, affirmed that Okporua stands united in its endorsement.
Udu Council Chairman, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, also voiced his support from Asaba, reinforcing the community’s collective stance.
The next step will see the Okporua Ruling House formally presenting Engr. Mike Orugbo’s nomination to the Udu Traditional Council, which will ratify the decision under the 1979 Edict, paving the way for his official coronation.
