Asaba, Delta State – January 17, 2026 — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm and heartfelt congratulations to the paramount ruler of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obukowho Monday Whiskey, JP, PhD, Udurhie I, as the revered monarch celebrates a dual milestone: his 60th birth anniversary and the fifth anniversary of his coronation on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, and issued from Government House in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described the twin celebration as a "remarkable milestone" that symbolizes sixty years of life and five years of purposeful, stable, and people-oriented traditional leadership in Idjerhe Kingdom. The Governor emphasized that this occasion offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the monarch's profound contributions to preserving cultural values, fostering peaceful coexistence, and driving overall progress in the kingdom.
Idjerhe Kingdom, located in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, is one of the prominent Urhobo kingdoms and ranks as the second largest in Urhoboland. Comprising approximately 97 communities—many of which are oil-producing—the kingdom serves as a vital hub in the Niger Delta region. Its headquarters, Jesse Town, functions as the central commercial and cultural center. The kingdom's rich heritage includes traditional practices such as the Okurru native communication system, passed down through generations, and a history of resilience amid challenges like oil-related environmental issues and communal disputes.
HRM Udurhie I, born on January 18, 1966, ascended the throne in late 2020 following a rigorous selection process by kingmakers after the demise of his predecessor, HRM Edward Igho Otadaferua, Erhiekevwe I, in November 2018. A veteran journalist with over three decades of experience, including serving as South-South Editor for a national daily, former Special Adviser on Media to the pioneer chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and Coordinator of Media Affairs for Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSCON), the monarch brought a unique blend of media expertise, administrative acumen, and community insight to the royal stool. His emergence was widely celebrated across the kingdom's sub-clans, including Jesse Central (Oguedion), Boboroku, and Oyonubu, after months of traditional consultations and amid efforts to maintain unity.
Since his coronation—formally recognized by the Delta State Government in October 2020—Udurhie I has demonstrated exemplary leadership characterized by wisdom, humility, and inclusiveness. Governor Oborevwori highlighted how these qualities have strengthened unity among the people of Idjerhe and promoted enduring peace. The peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the kingdom today stands as a testament to the monarch's dedication to dialogue, consensus-building, and respect for traditional institutions. This approach has helped navigate sensitive issues, including occasional tensions related to oil activities and boundary matters with neighboring communities.
The Governor further commended the monarch for his unwavering support of government development initiatives and his cooperative stance with authorities at federal, state, and local levels. Such partnerships have facilitated grassroots advancements and socio-economic growth in Idjerhe. Under Udurhie I's reign, the kingdom has seen efforts to reposition itself as a key player in national development discourse, particularly as an oil-producing area deserving equitable benefits. The monarch has advocated for stronger collaboration between traditional rulers and political leaders to preserve cultural heritage, enhance national unity, and secure infrastructure improvements for the Niger Delta.
Notable engagements include his historic visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in 2025, where both royal fathers called for synergy between traditional institutions and government to address regional needs, such as better road networks, federal appointments, and integration of host communities into national governance. Udurhie I has also emphasized the importance of peace, security, and modern development while upholding respect for elders and cultural norms. His administration has worked to combat issues like crime, cultism, and abandonment of projects by agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urging accountability and the inauguration of statutory boards for effective service delivery.
Governor Oborevwori noted that the monarch's five-year reign has been defined by stability and progress, earning him widespread respect and admiration from his subjects, neighboring communities, and well-meaning Deltans across the state. As Idjerhe continues to contribute significantly to Delta State's economy through its oil resources and agrarian base, Udurhie I's leadership has fostered an environment conducive to sustainable growth and harmonious living.
In his message, the Governor extended prayers for divine guidance, robust health, and longevity: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate His Royal Majesty, Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, on this auspicious occasion. May God Almighty continue to grant you wisdom, good health, and many more years of impactful service on the throne.”
The celebrations, coinciding with the monarch's diamond jubilee, have drawn tributes from various quarters, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, which hailed his immeasurable contributions to stability and progress beyond Idjerhe's borders. As the kingdom looks forward, Udurhie I's vision of unity, peace, and development aligns closely with the state's MORE Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, Enhanced Peace and Security—ensuring continued collaboration for a prosperous future.
This milestone not only honors a dedicated royal father but also underscores the enduring role of traditional leadership in fostering peace, cultural preservation, and socio-economic advancement in Delta State.
