Asaba, Delta State – March 3, 2026 – Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has extended warm congratulations to Chief D. T. E. Salubi on the occasion of his 90th birthday, hailing the nonagenarian as an “uncompromising Urhobo patriot,” a “steadfast community leader,” and a “consummate progressive politician” whose life continues to serve as a moral compass and source of inspiration for generations.
In a statement released on behalf of his family and the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Dafinone described the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate not merely longevity, but the enduring legacy of a man whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the history and identity of the Urhobo nation.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I heartily felicitate with Chief D. T. E. Salubi on the joyous occasion of his 90th birthday. Today, we celebrate not just the longevity of a remarkable life, but the enduring legacy of an uncommon patriot whose name is etched boldly in the story of the Urhobo nation,” the senator stated.
Chief Daniel Taiwo Ekiyor Salubi, widely respected across Delta State and the broader Niger Delta region, has spent much of his adult life in dedicated service to the Urhobo people. Born in the early decades of the 20th century, he witnessed and actively participated in key phases of Nigeria’s political evolution—from the pre-independence nationalist struggles through military rule to the return of democracy in 1999. His political journey reflects a consistent commitment to progressive ideals, community welfare, and the advancement of ethnic equity within Nigeria’s complex federal structure.
Senator Dafinone praised Chief Salubi’s unwavering principles, noting that his convictions have remained steadfast even in the face of adversity. “Chief Salubi stands tall as an uncompromising Urhobo patriot, a steadfast community leader, and a consummate progressive politician whose convictions have never wavered in the face of challenge,” he wrote. “For decades, he has remained a moral compass and rallying voice for justice, equity, and the advancement of our people. His courage, clarity of purpose, and principled engagement in public life continue to inspire generations of leaders across Delta State and beyond.”
Beyond his political activism, Chief Salubi is revered as a custodian of Urhobo cultural memory and historical knowledge. Often referred to as a “living encyclopedia of Urhobo history,” he has devoted considerable time to documenting, preserving, and transmitting the ancestry, struggles, triumphs, and cultural values of the Urhobo ethnic nationality—one of the largest and most influential groups in Delta State.
“Widely regarded as a living encyclopedia of Urhobo history, Chief Salubi embodies the wisdom, memory, and cultural consciousness of our heritage,” Senator Dafinone observed. “His deep knowledge of our ancestry, struggles, and triumphs has enriched our collective identity and strengthened our resolve to pursue unity, development, and self-determination for the Urhobo nation.”
The senator’s tribute comes at a time when Urhobo leaders and youth groups continue to advocate for greater political representation, infrastructural development, and economic opportunities in Delta Central. Chief Salubi’s lifetime of advocacy—spanning community organisation, political mobilisation, and cultural preservation—has provided a foundational example for contemporary efforts to address marginalisation, resource control, and ethnic unity in the Niger Delta.
In his message, Senator Dafinone offered prayers for the celebrant’s continued well-being and expressed hope that Chief Salubi would witness the full fruition of the causes he has championed. “As he marks this historic milestone, I pray that Almighty God grants him continued strength, sound health, and peace. May his years ahead be filled with joy and the satisfaction of seeing the seeds he planted blossom across our land,” he said.
The senator concluded with heartfelt birthday wishes: “Happy 90th birthday, Chief Salubi—your life remains a blessing and a beacon to us all.”
Chief Salubi’s 90th birthday has elicited similar tributes from across Delta State, with traditional rulers, political figures, youth organisations, and civil society groups acknowledging his role as a bridge between past and present generations of Urhobo leadership. Many have described him as a rare figure whose integrity, consistency, and dedication to collective progress have earned him widespread respect beyond partisan lines.
Born in the 1930s in what is now Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Salubi’s early life coincided with the colonial era and the emergence of organised Urhobo nationalism through bodies such as the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU). He rose through community leadership roles before venturing into partisan politics, where he consistently aligned with progressive platforms advocating social justice, education, and rural development.
His longevity and active engagement have made him a point of reference for younger politicians seeking to navigate the challenges of ethnic advocacy within Nigeria’s multi-ethnic democracy. Observers note that Chief Salubi’s ability to combine cultural pride with pragmatic engagement has helped sustain Urhobo unity even amid internal differences and external pressures.
The occasion of his 90th birthday is being marked quietly but meaningfully by family, close associates, and community leaders in line with his preference for modesty. Several groups have indicated plans for low-key thanksgiving services and lectures in his honour in the coming weeks, focusing on themes of heritage preservation, leadership integrity, and the future of Urhobo nationhood.
Senator Ede Dafinone’s tribute underscores the deep respect Chief Salubi commands within Delta Central and the broader Urhobo socio-political landscape. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of equity, representation, and national cohesion, figures like Chief Salubi serve as living reminders of the value of principled service and cultural rootedness in building a just society.
Signed by Senator Ede Dafinone on March 3, 2026, the message reflects both personal admiration and collective gratitude for a life dedicated to the upliftment of the Urhobo people and the advancement of progressive ideals in Delta State.
