Senator Dafinone Decries Disunity Among Urhobo, Calls for Collective Action on State Creation and Development

Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has strongly criticized what he described as the “Pull-Him-Down Syndrome” among the Urhobo people, warning that such internal rivalry undermines the political and economic advancement of the ethnic group.

Delivering a keynote address during the inaugural Urhobo Leadership Series hosted virtually by the Urhobo Consultative Forum on Monday night, Senator Dafinone emphasized the need for greater unity and cooperation among Urhobo leaders to position the group more effectively in national affairs.

“As champions in our community, we must stand together. Undermining each other will only weaken our voice and jeopardize our place at the table in the distribution of national resources,” he cautioned.

Themed “Redefining Public Service and Accountability: Reflections on Senator Ede Dafinone’s Representation,” the virtual event drew participation from over 160 Urhobo professionals, youths, women, and leaders across Nigeria, Europe, America, and Canada.

Dafinone lamented that the Urhobo nation has lost its influence in national discourse, stressing that the ethnic group no longer stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. He called for a strategic redirection of Urhobo leadership to form a more unified and assertive voice.

He also addressed the ongoing discussions around the creation of a new Urhobo state—Ethiope State—from the present Delta State. Dafinone revealed that he had held meetings with various stakeholders advocating for the new state and recently participated in a constitutional amendment hearing in Bayelsa, where he supported Hon. Ben Etanebena’s proposal to include Ethiope State in Nigeria’s constitution.

However, he expressed concern over the lack of inclusive consultation and engagement from key Urhobo leadership structures on the matter, urging for a more coordinated and collaborative approach.

“There must be a broad-based consultation among all Urhobo leadership bodies to carefully weigh the benefits and implications of creating Ethiope State versus preserving current structures,” he said.

Senator Dafinone also pointed out the current leadership vacuum within the Urhobo nation, noting the absence of a unifying institution akin to the influential role once played by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).

Earlier in the event, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Urhobo Consultative Forum, stated that the Urhobo Leadership Series was conceived as a critical platform for dialogue, aimed at fostering unity and addressing the sociopolitical and economic challenges facing the Urhobo people.

Dafinone concluded by urging Urhobo leaders at all levels to rise above personal interests and work together to restore the community’s voice, dignity, and relevance in Nigeria’s national development.