Natufe justifies the call for Okpe identity, harps on peaceful co-existence in Delta State
· Praises critics for recognizing the right of the Okpe Nation to extricate itself from false Urhobo nationality
President General of the Okpe Union Worldwide, Prof Igho Natufe, has urged ethnic nationalities in Delta State to collaborate with the Okpe Nation in building a stronger and peaceful Delta State.
‘’The study of ethnic relations in Nigeria or ethnic relations in any Nigerian state, including Delta State, is fundamentally a study in international relations anchored on the principles of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness. Adherence to these principles is imperative for the system or sub-system to function harmoniously’’
He also warned against unnecessary competition between ethnic nationalities.
‘’While competition between the ethnic nationalities helps to spur societal development, it is vital that inter-ethnic competition does not lead to a breakdown of the system. Thus, each component of the system in Delta State, listed in alphabetical order, Aniocha, Ika, Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri, Ndosumili, Oshumili, Okpe, Ukwuani, and Urhobo, are required to adhere to the principles of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness while promoting their respective national interests.
Natufe, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said the Okpe people have their distinct ancestry, history and language, which Urhobo people do not understand at all.
‘’The world view of the Okpe people has always been that they are a distinct people. This is reflected in how they name products indigenous to them. Their food, pomade, soap, medicine, etc, are named with the word or description “Okpe” at the end.
He praised critics of the Okpe Nation for recognizing the right of the Okpe Nation to extricate itself from the false Urhobo nationality.
‘’The ethnic mosaic of Delta State presents us with an opportunity to construct and maintain a vibrant and successful multi-ethnic polity. The tendency of any ethnic nationality attempting to impose itself as a great power in Delta State or in any of the Senatorial Districts must not be allowed, as it is a recipe for the collapse of the system.
Natufe said the policy of the Okpe Nation is strictly based on mutual respect, good neighbourliness, and peaceful coexistence.
‘’In the Delta Central Senatorial District, which we, Okpe, share with the Urhobo, the policy of the Okpe Nation is strictly based on mutual respect, good neighbourliness, and peaceful coexistence. This also informs the Okpe Nation’s relationships with the other ethnic nationalities.
The statement from the Okpe Union headquarters said Okpe people will never permit any other ethnic nationality to intrude on their policy formulation and implementation.
‘’Okpe Nation shall define its policy based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and will never permit any other ethnic nationality to intrude in our policy formulation and implementation. We firmly believe that it is only based on this construct, and a strict adherence to it by all ethnic nationalities, that peace and development can be attained in Delta State.
Natufe justifies the call for Okpe identity, harps on peaceful co-existence in Delta State
