The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso OON (JP), Abe I, has hailed the Bolowei (Prime Minister) of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom and pioneer chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), High Chief Dr. Wellington Okirika CON (JP), for his credibility in leadership and advocacy that birthed the 13 per cent derivation fund among other achievements.

The Ovie, in company of his queen, gave the commendation during his courtesy visit to the Bolowei's residence in Warri on Thursday, October 23, to sympathise with him over the loss and burial of late Chief (Mrs.) Esther Ifeyinwa Okirika, who had been laid to rest at Oviorie in Ovu Kingdom on September 19, 2025.

During the visit, the Ovie, who disclosed that his relationship with Chief Okirika spans decades and that he was abroad at the time of the sad passing of the Bolowei's wife, offered prayers of protection and blessings on the Okirika family, alongside soothing words of encouragement.

The paramount ruler also acknowledged the numerous contributions of Chief Okirika in fighting for the freedom of Warri Ijaws and the host communities of oil and gas that led to the establishment of the 13 per cent derivation fund.

While delivering words of encouragement to Chief Okirika, the paramount ruler of Uvwie said, "There is nothing in this world. You come empty, you'll go empty. But we must do the best we can to serve the people. It is unfortunate that, in this country, credible people are neglected, otherwise he (Chief Okirika) is a senior citizen, they should tap from his experience."

Speaking further he said, "I'm not mincing words, but for him there wouldn't have been a royal father in Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh.... He has done a lot for his people, for Nigeria as a whole. I always tell him, Wellington, don't waste your time for this country, do the best you can because they don't remember anything," he cautioned in reference to the lack of attention given by the government to such elders like Chief Okirika.

The Ovie, who noted that the current peace enjoyed in Uvwie Kingdom is as a result of his determination to foster peaceful coexistence among the people, sued for peace and unity among the three ethnic groups of Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri.

He revealed that the relationship existing between the Ijaws and the Urhobos has been cordial to the extent that no Ijaw man or woman is harassed in the kingdom, just as he called for synergy across ethnic nationalities for the growth and development of the state.

In his response, Chief Okirika, popularly known as Mr. 13 per cent derivation fund, thanked the Ovie, who, despite his age and status, still made out time to visit him.

Chief Okirika also commended the Ovie for his support to him during the loss of his dear wife as well as the launch of his book titled 'Mr. 13% Derivation Fund: The Life and Legacy of Chief (Dr.) Wellington O. Okirika CON'

The visit was wrapped up with the presentation of some copies of the book to the Ovie by Chief Okirika, in company of Chief Wellington Bobo (JP), the Uroupawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, who had joined the Bolowei to receive the Ovie.

The courtesy visit highlights the mutual respect that exist between the Urhobo and the Ijaw ethnic nationalities, and one that also demonstrates the need for friendship and collaboration among ethnic groups to tackle common challenges facing the growth and development of the State.

View photos of the visit here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17a9Ug7Xx6/

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