By Charles Pemu 
OGHARA, NIGERIA – The Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council has issued a decisive new directive effectively barring chiefs from affiliating with any rival or splinter organizations outside the established structure of their respective kingdoms. This strategic move aims to reinforce unity and preserve the integrity of the Urhobo traditional institution.
The decision was announced by the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM Udurhie I, following a critical meeting of monarchs hosted at the palace of the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom on Tuesday.
Under the leadership of the Council Chairman, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, the traditional rulers unanimously agreed that no chief within or outside Urhobo territory is permitted to belong to any association other than the traditional council of his or her kingdom. This clear mandate directly addresses rising concerns over the emergence of parallel entities, specifically citing a group known as the Urhobo Traditional Chiefs Association, reportedly led by Chief Joe Omene.
The monarchs forcefully reaffirmed the long-standing tradition that the chiefs of each of the 24 Urhobo kingdoms are members exclusively of that kingdom’s traditional council, insisting this structure remains the sole authoritative system. HRM Udurhie I warned that any chief who disregards the directive by joining a parallel organization constitutes a severe violation of traditional norms and will face strict sanctions from their respective kings. He stressed that loyalty must remain unequivocally with the kingdom that installed them through royal authority, confirming that no umbrella body exists outside the established councils.