*****Barr. Daniel Ejiro Bakpa Mourns Passing of HRM Barr. Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu I — Monarch of Udu Kingdom
Celebrates the Late King as a Symbol of Insight, Grace, and Transformational Development.
*Says, “A Gap That Time Alone Cannot Easily Bridge”
By Victor Bieni | Asaba
Udu-born legal luminary, Barrister Ejiro Bakpa, has joined voices across the Urhobo Nation, Delta State, and Nigeria in mourning the passing of His Royal Majesty, Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu I, the esteemed Ovie of Udu Kingdom.
Vanguard learnt this today being on Sunday, April 20, 2025 In a heartfelt tribute released to some group of journalists in Asaba, Delta State capital as he mourned the demise of the Monarch of Udu Kingdom.
Bakpa—who hails from the Ovwian and Emadaja communities of Udu Local Government Area described the late monarch as a towering symbol of insight, grace, and transformational leadership.
He emphasised that the departure of HRM Owhorhu I has created “a gap that time alone cannot easily bridge,” emphasizing the depth of the monarch’s influence and the enduring legacy of his 31-year reign.
The release by Barr. Bakpa Ejiro reads in parts: “You were not just a monarch, but a beacon of unity, a pillar of strength, and a guardian of our shared heritage,”
“His vision and dedication birthed historic achievements such as the creation of Udu Local Government Area—a defining legacy that redefined our collective identity.”
Reflecting on the monarch’s leadership style, Barr. Ejiro Bakpa praised Owhorhu I as a ruler who led with empathy and integrity”.
“He governed not with a heavy hand, but with a listening heart. A king who walked among his people and lifted us all through his humility and wisdom.”
“The passing of HRM Owhorhu I was formally announced on April 16, 2025, by the Otita of Udu Kingdom, Chief Sam Esiko Odibo (JP), at the Udu Palace, marking the end of an era defined by peace, unity, and progress in Udu Kingdom”.
“Also, I encourage the people of Udu to draw strength from the monarch’s memory and continue building on the foundation he laid”.
“Rest in eternal peace, Owhorhu I. Your reign was a gift, your life a lesson, and your legacy, eternal. Udu Kingdom will never forget you!”