EFFURUN – All roads lead to Effurun next month as the Uvwie Kingdom prepares for a week-long series of high-profile events to mark the 18th coronation anniversary of its monarch, His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, JP, OON.
The dual-purpose celebration will also feature the formal unveiling of the monarch’s biography, titled “Odyssey of Royalty: The Reign of Abe I, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.”
The historic occasion is expected to draw the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s political and traditional leadership. Topping the guest list is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The event will be chaired by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, while High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) will serve as the Chief Launcher. The biography, which chronicles the history of the “Philosopher-King” and the evolution of the Uvwie Kingdom, will be reviewed by Professor Joe Abugu, SAN.
According to Media Consultant Chief Omafume Amurun, the festivities will kick off on February 7 with a 21-gun salute, followed by the conferment of chieftaincy titles on 36 distinguished individuals.
Key dates for the celebration include:
February 10: Traditional quarters pay homage to the Ovie at the Palace.
February 14: The grand launch of the monarch’s biography.
February 16: Newly installed chiefs pay their formal respect to the throne.
February 18: A grand Thanksgiving Mass followed by a final 21-gun salute to close the anniversary.
Since ascending the throne 18 years ago, HRM Abe I has been credited with a radical transformation of the kingdom. Notably, he expanded the traditional administrative units (Etche) from four to nine to accommodate rapid urbanization and bring governance closer to the people.
Under his reign, Uvwie has solidified its status as a major industrial and commercial hub in Nigeria. Often referred to as the “London of the Urhobo Nation,” Effurun and its surrounding communities host critical national assets, including the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Chevron, the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE).
As a gateway to the South-South geopolitical zone, the Uvwie Kingdom continues to play a pivotal role in the socio-economic landscape of Delta State, blending modern industrialization with a rich cultural heritage.
