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DESPITE MODERN ADVANCEMENTS AND A MORE RESOURCEFUL ADMINISTRATION, THE OKPE NATION HAS YET TO REGAIN ITS FORMER MOMENTUM OR VISIBILITY.
THERE IS AN URGE FOR A STRATEGIC REPOSITIONING OF LEADERSHIP VALUES, PRACTICES, AND UNITY AMONG THE OKPE PEOPLE, CALLING FOR THE REDISCOVERY OF THE COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT THAT ONCE MADE THE KINGDOM A MODEL IN REGIONAL GOVERNANCE.
TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP FOR OKPE NATION: SHAPING A FUTURE- READY COMMUNITY
A KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED
BY
- EVANS IGHO AKPO
SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND HUMANITIES
LEAD OF THE DOCTORAL PROGRAM
ASSOCIATE DEAN
ASSSOCIATE PROFESSOR
WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY,
PLAINVIEW, TEXAS
AT THE 95th FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION TAKING PLACE AT OKPE HOUSE,
- 65, MOSHALASHI STREET, OBALENDE, IKOYI, LAGOS, MAY 16TH, 2025
His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe
The President General, Okpe Union
Okpe Traditional Chiefs
The Press
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
INTRODUCTION
It is a profound honor to deliver this keynote address on the auspicious occasion of the 95th Anniversary of the Okpe Union Worldwide.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to all the leaders present and especially to the visionary leadership of Prof. Igho Natufe and his remarkable team. Over the years and through numerous challenges, they have stood firm, proving once again that the God of our founding fathers remains behind us, beside us, and within us.
I extend warm regards to the family and friends of the late Dr. Charles Osume, who are present with us today. His voice continues to echo through the pages of his iconic work on the history of the Okpe people. I had the rare privilege of meeting him three times: twice in person, Dallas in 2023 and Houston in 2024, and once virtually during a Zoom session on Okpe affairs.
I stand today on the shoulders of the giants who paved the way before me. I particularly honor my elder sister, Mrs. Atarhe Roselyn Abuh, Nee Akpohwaye, Mr. Okpako Ayaruja, Chairman, Planning Committee and all the leaders. My deepest regards to those in North America who recognized the gift in me and welcomed me into the Okpe Union family. It was through that opportunity that I was able to read the keynote address of the late Prof. Ovaborhene Idamoyibo.
While the mention of names may stir mixed feelings, it is a reminder that great individuals often leave behind a strong and lasting impression. As Okpe people, we must remember the wisdom of our fathers: whether Orhue, Orhorho, Evreke, and Esezi. Our houses may differ in names, faces, and challenges, but like every loving father with many children, unity and tactful affection are keys to keeping the family together.
I also extend my deep respect to Prof. Samuel Enajero, last year’s keynote speaker. As Prof. Natufe shared with me during a 2021 interview, Prof. Enajero’s intellectual strength played a pivotal role in shaping the academic foundation of the Okpe Union of North America during his time as General Secretary. I salute and honor him.
Today, I hope to share a speech that will resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact. I am reminded of the words of Sidney Poitier (2000) in his autobiography, The Measure of a Man.
Noted: “Compassion for other human beings must extend to the society that has long ground the powerless beneath its heel. The more civilized a society becomes, the more it sees its own humanity, and the inhumanity within. The rage that injustice evokes must be channeled into something greater, and the highest form of that transformation is forgiveness” (Poitier, 2000, p.154).
As we reflect on our journey, let us learn to forgive, not just those who openly opposed us, but even those who, in silence or distance, subtly undermined the cause we believe in so deeply.
Forgiveness is our highest position, and it is the true strength of leadership.
HISTORY OF OKPE
According to Okpe oral tradition, the four brothers—Orhue, Orhorho, Evreke, and Esezi—are considered the legendary founders of the Okpe Kingdom. Their seniority follows that exact order, being direct descendants of Okpe and grandchildren of Prince Igbuzo, who is said to have migrated from the ancient Benin Kingdom. His Royal Majesty Orhue 1 (2007) asserts that the Okpe Kingdom constitutes a unique ethnic nationality located in the central senatorial district of Delta State, Nigeria. This identity is deeply embedded in ancient traditions, language, customs, and a rich oral history. While the paternity of Okpe’s progenitor has been widely acknowledged, there remains a gap in knowledge concerning the maternal lineage—a gap that underscores the need for further scholarly research. The Orodje emphasized that understanding the origin and evolution of the Okpe Kingdom requires moving beyond surface-level narratives, as much of its historical knowledge remains undocumented and preserved primarily through oral transmission (Orhue 1, 2007; Osume, 2005).
Despite these limitations, the historical trajectory of the Okpe people is considered conclusive. HRM Orhue,1 traced our lineage back to Prince Igboze of the Benin Empire. This progenitor first migrated to Olomu, later followed by his son, Okpe, who founded Okpe r’Ikpere in the present-day Isoko region. From there, three of Okpe’s four sons—Orhue, Evbreke, and Esezi— continued the migration and ultimately settled at Orerokpe, which remains the political and cultural center of Okpe Kingdom. The fourth son, Orhoro, initially stayed behind in Isoko before eventually joining his brothers. These four brothers are recognized as the legendary founders of the Okpe Kingdom, and their legacy is symbolized in the current division of the kingdom into four ruling quarters.
The Orodje noted that while specific dates are largely absent from Okpe oral history, there is evidence that the kingdom was well-established by the 15th century, though its roots are undoubtedly older. Orerokpe serves as the kingdom’s headquarters, from where the Orodje administers the affairs of the people, both through traditional customs and in accordance with Nigerian law. The Okpe are recognized as the most populous monolithic ethnic group in Delta State, surrounded by neighboring kingdoms such as Agbon, Agbarho, and Uvwie, and geographically distinguished by rivers from other communities like Oghara and Itsekiri (Orhue1, 2007).
Okpe Kingdom comprises 12 districts and over 150 towns and villages, each governed by an Ekakuro appointed by the Orodje to represent the monarch’s interests. The kingdom is culturally known for its peaceful nature and strong ties with neighboring communities, sustained by intermarriage and shared economic activities. While pre-colonial monarchs held wide-ranging powers, modern traditional rulers serve primarily as cultural and community figures without direct political or judicial authority (Orhue 1, 2007).
BUILDING STRENGTHS AND ADDRESSING GAPS THROUGH TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP
In his 2019 keynote address to the Okpe Union of North America, the late Professor Idamoyibo compellingly urged attendees through his writing to critically re-evaluate the current state of leadership within the Okpe Nation, especially in light of its historical legacy of sound governance and advancement (Idamoyibo, 2019).
Referencing the work of renowned sociologist Otite, Prof. Idamoyibo recalled the observation made by European explorer L. N. Bowen, who once praised the Okpe people as “the most progressive and best administered ethnic group” through their native authority, the Orodje (king) of Okpe. This reputation for good governance led to Orerokpe, the capital of Okpe Kingdom, being named the headquarters of the Western Urhobo District Council, covering the larger Warri Province (Otite, 1973, p. 39; 1982, p. 132).
Prof. Idamoyibo expressed concern that despite this historical legacy of excellence, the Okpe people now appear to lag in many areas, struggling for relevance and development. He posed a reflective question: How did a people once described as exemplary in governance become so marginalized and disjointed today?
He noted that while the past administrations lauded by colonial authorities may not have had the same resources or infrastructure available today, they achieved significant and recognized progress. In contrast, despite modern advancements and a more resourceful administration, the Okpe nation has yet to regain its former momentum or visibility.
There is an urge for a strategic repositioning of leadership values, practices, and unity among the Okpe people, calling for the rediscovery of the collaborative spirit that once made the kingdom a model in regional governance.
IDENTIFYING CURRENT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Challenges
What are the specific challenges and opportunities facing the Okpe Nation today. The Okpe Nation today faces a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities across various fronts, all of which underscore the urgent need for transformative leadership to chart a prosperous and sustainable future.
Before exploring the challenges of Okpe Kingdom, it is worth reflecting on the book We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families by Philip Gourevitch (1998). This deeply moving account of the Rwandan genocide offers a raw and honest portrayal of the events, highlighting both the horror and the structural failures, international and domestic, that allowed such a tragedy to occur. The narrative becomes even more impactful when connected to personal testimonies from survivors, which bring a human dimension to the historical facts and underscore the enduring pain and trauma.
Although Rwanda’s tragedy is of a different magnitude, there are unsettling parallels within the Okpe Kingdom. Beneath the surface lie silent struggles and a gradual erosion of cultural values: unity, honor, and communal strength that once defined the people. These issues often go unnoticed, unspoken, and unresolved. There is an urgent need to confront these realities through open and honest dialogue, to address the cracks in the community’s foundation and work toward healing and renewal. Gourevitch writes, “Once the African interior had been ‘opened up’ to the European imagination by explorers like Speke, empire soon followed in a frenzy of conquest. As a rule, the lines they marked on the map, many of which still define African states, bore no relationship to the political or territorial traditions of the places they described” (Gourevitch, 1998, p. xx). These arbitrary boundaries and imposed structures continue to influence how we identify, divide, and engage with each other. In Okpe, too, we must wrestle with the internal lines—unseen but deeply felt—that divide us.
In both Rwanda’s tragedy and Okpe’s quiet unraveling, the message is clear: without unity and open truth, even the strongest communities can falter.
A UNICEF report (December 2023) indicated that 63% of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, though specific data for the Okpe Nation is unavailable. Poverty and inequality are challenges in the Okpe Nation and the Niger Delta, with data often being too broad to capture community-specific realities (NBS, 2020). Unemployment, especially among youth, uneven access to basic necessities, and environmental degradation pose socioeconomic challenges.
Education in the Okpe Nation faces issues like inadequate funding and infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and outdated curricula. Engaging youth is challenging due to limited opportunities and a disconnect from cultural heritage. Infrastructure deficiencies in roads, power, water, sanitation, and communication hinder development. Globalization threatens Okpe language and traditions, requiring efforts to preserve cultural identity.
Inadequate educational infrastructure and a lack of learning resources impede effective teaching and learning, potentially including a scarcity of tertiary institutions within the Okpe Nation (Omafuaire, 2018). Transformative leaders can address this by prioritizing increased budgetary allocations for education, investing in modern resources, and fostering public-private partnerships and diaspora engagement. Outdated curricula also pose a challenge by not equipping students with future-relevant skills and by potentially neglecting the preservation of Okpe language and culture in a globalized world (Omafuaire, 2018). Leaders should champion curriculum reform to integrate vocational skills, critical thinking, digital literacy, and the preservation of Okpe language and culture (Natufe, 2023).
Opportunities
The Okpe people’s strong cultural identity and traditions can foster unity, pride, and economic opportunities like cultural tourism. Initiatives such as the “No Okpe Girl Left Behind” mission and the Ehensiri Foundation’s work in promoting the Okpe language showcase the potential of human capital, which can be further enhanced by engaging the diaspora. Natural resources in the region offer economic development possibilities, if managed sustainably for the benefit of the Okpe people. Global connectivity and technology can improve education, communication, and business opportunities while preserving culture online. The Okpe Union provides a platform for collaboration and resource sharing. Increased global awareness of indigenous rights offers opportunities for partnerships in cultural preservation. Language is a critical component of ethnic identity (Isajiw, 1990, 1999; Kalbach & Kalbach, 1995; Pigozzi, 2003), highlighting the need for transformative leadership to leverage these strengths.
THE URGENCY FOR FUTURE-READINESS: WHY IS A PROACTIVE AND TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH CRUCIAL FOR THE OKPE NATION?
In a rapidly evolving world—driven by technological innovation and artificial intelligence— leaders are increasingly expected to respond with agility and efficiency. The pace of change demands adaptive leadership that embraces innovation, leverages digital tools, and fosters resilience in navigating complex challenges (Teece, Peteraf, & Leih, 2016). Experts emphasize the critical and urgent need for transformational leadership, defining leadership as influence that drives organizational growth (Maxwell, 2007). Examining this change requires a different perspective than that presented in Prof. Natufe’s analysis. Considering transformational leadership in the Okpe Nation, Prof. Igho Natufe’s reflections offer a valuable starting point for reimagining the evolving role of traditional leadership, as highlighted in his probing question, “What do we do with Nigeria’s traditional rulers?” (Natufe, 1984), which encourages exploration beyond political structures into leadership transformation.
Natufe proposed three frameworks for evaluating the role of traditional rulers: insulation, agency, and abolishment. “Insulation” suggests keeping monarchs out of partisan politics to preserve neutrality. However, Natufe (1984) questioned the feasibility of this stance, given the monarchs’ longstanding roles as mediators and influencers, especially during key political moments like the 1983 elections.
While Natufe’s analysis was grounded in the constitutional and political relevance of traditional rulers, the current context shifts the lens toward transformational leadership—a style that emphasizes vision, inspiration, and meaningful change. Rather than viewing monarchs solely through a political lens, transformational leadership encourages a reimagining of their role as catalysts for cultural revitalization, ethical governance, youth empowerment, and socioeconomic development. In this light, Okpe’s traditional institutions can serve as powerful agents of transformation when aligned with inclusive, forward-looking leadership strategies.
The question here applies to transformational leadership: How can systemic change be achieved in Okpe without undermining heritage? Can traditional legitimacy be blended with forward- thinking governance? What models of leadership best serve the evolving needs of the people?
These reflections aim to spark deeper dialogue—not merely about leadership titles or ceremonial functions—but about impact, legacy, and the future being shaped.
Recent studies on urban development and resilience highlight the critical need for proactive future-readiness in communities. A 2024 World Economic Forum report emphasizes building future-ready cities capable of adapting to technological changes and citizen needs, requiring resilience in digital infrastructure and social cohesion (World Economic Forum, 2024).
Transformational leadership, similar to these cities, must adopt a future-ready stance.
PRINCIPLES OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP IN THE OKPE CONTEXT
Visionary Leadership Rooted in Okpe Values
A compelling vision for the future of the Okpe Nation must be both aspirational and grounded in its core values and traditions. This vision, to be effective, should be transformational in nature.
Transformational leadership, as defined by Northouse (2022), is a process that changes and transforms people by engaging their emotions, values, ethics, and long-term goals. It moves individuals to accomplish more than expected by incorporating charismatic and visionary elements of leadership.
The foundation of transformational leadership can be traced to the work of James MacGregor Burns in his seminal book Leadership (1978), where he emphasized that transformational leaders engage the motives of followers to achieve shared objectives (as cited in Northouse, 2022).
Building on this, Bass (1985) asserted that transformational leaders elevate followers’ consciousness about the importance of goals, help them transcend self-interest for collective benefit, and encourage them to address higher-level needs.
Transformational leadership fosters a connection between leaders and followers that enhances motivation and morality in both parties. Leaders attentive to the motives and needs of their followers often help them reach their full potential. Historical examples include Mohandas Gandhi, who, operating within a collective culture similar to that of the Okpe people, inspired millions and experienced personal transformation in the process (Northouse, 2022). Furthermore, Notgrass (2014) noted that transformational leadership encourages creativity, builds trust, recognizes accomplishments, and inspires a shared vision.
Within the Okpe cultural context, transformational leadership takes on specific dimensions.
Leaders in this tradition often hold strong internal values and ideals and can effectively mobilize others to act for the greater good rather than for personal gain (Kuhnert, 1994). Bass’s (1985) full range model of leadership outlines four key components—idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration—which can all be applied within the Okpe framework.
- Idealized Influence
Idealized influence refers to the emotional aspect of leadership, where leaders serve as ethical role models, earning the trust and respect of their followers (Antonakis, 2012). In Okpe society, many individuals come from lineages that naturally influence others. A notable example is Chief Anovbha, a descendant of Esezi, who played a significant role in reestablishing Okpe administration in the late nineteenth century. Despite his advanced age, Chief Anovbha was instrumental in the cultural and political unification of the Okpe people (Osume, 2005). His leadership exemplifies idealized influence through his high moral standards and strong sense of mission.
- Inspirational Motivation
Inspirational motivation is evident when leaders communicate a shared vision that inspires commitment and unity among followers. This form of leadership is vital in promoting team spirit and a collective sense of purpose. In the Okpe context, a leader might ask, “Can we be one and find better ways to resolve our differences? Let us focus on what makes us stronger and brings out the best in us.” Such language rallies followers around a common identity and long-term goals
- Intellectual Stimulation
Transformational leaders stimulate creativity and innovation by encouraging followers to challenge assumptions and consider new perspectives. In the Okpe Nation, intellectual stimulation might involve posing critical questions such as: Who are we as a people? What role do we play in national development? This kind of leadership promotes problem-solving and innovative thinking, encouraging Okpe people to find unique, culturally rooted solutions to social and communal challenges.
- Individualized Consideration
This element of leadership emphasizes the development of individuals by offering personal attention and mentorship. Leaders act as coaches or advisers, recognizing that different followers have different needs (Northouse, 2022). Some may require emotional support, while others may need specific directives. By fostering a nurturing environment, transformational leaders help individuals actualize their potential.
Transformational leadership is more effective when followers find meaning in their roles and identify with the mission (Mohammed, Fernando, & Caputi, 2013). In the Okpe context, the history of leadership grounded in both gerontocracy and council-based systems illustrates the long-standing role of transformation. For instance, during the administration of Chief Anovbha, the Okpe people experienced significant cultural and structural consolidation (Osume, 2005).
Although this leadership era ended officially in 1897, it laid the groundwork for a sense of identity and self-awareness.
KEY AREAS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE ACTION
Mindset
One of the foundational elements of transformative action in the Okpe context is the mindset of the average Okpe man and woman. Before external changes can be realized, there must first be a transformation in thinking. Unity must not only be embraced internally but also expressed deliberately and consistently. The belief that “Okpe is one” must be a shared conviction, intentionally nurtured and communicated across all spheres of the community.
It is essential to recognize the inherent value and goodness within the Okpe people. As eloquently stated, “Like the enduring ember beneath the ashes, the inherent goodness within us persists, often unseen yet always present.” In a world often dominated by narratives of division and negativity, it is easy to overlook the many quiet acts of empathy, resilience, and community spirit that define the collective character.
Recognizing and nurturing this goodness is not a form of naive optimism; rather, it is a pragmatic step toward cultivating understanding, collaboration, and a more cohesive society. By focusing on the positive threads within shared experiences, the best in each individual and the community
at large can be empowered, thus lighting the way toward a more harmonious and thriving Okpe nation.
This need for a shift in mindset has been echoed in the intellectual and cultural reflections of key Okpe figures. Notably, in a keynote speech titled Repositioning Okpe Kingdom for Strategic Development, delivered by the late Prof. Ovaborhene Idamoyibo of the Department of Music at the 19th Okpe Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Clarion Hotel in Indianapolis (May 24–27, 2019), a passionate call was made to “reposition the Okpe mindset.” The address emphasized the urgent necessity for unity, collaboration, and the abandonment of divisive and self-limiting attitudes that have historically impeded development within the Okpe nation (Idamoyibo, 2019).
Respect
Late Prof. Idamoyibo’s call to action serves as a clarion reminder that the journey toward transformation must begin from within. It is through a unified mindset—rooted in cultural identity, mutual respect, and shared vision—that the Okpe people can chart a path toward sustainable progress and strategic development.
According to the speaker, many Okpe people struggle with an ingrained belief that their community is undeserving of meaningful progress. “This poor orientation,” he stated, “continues to affect both the development of our people and the capital projects we so desperately need in our land.”
Using a vivid analogy, the speaker likened the needed mindset to the behavior of ants. “Drop something sweet on the ground and one ant will soon bring others to benefit from it. But sadly, some Okpe individuals, when they discover opportunities, do not extend them to others,” he lamented.
The late Prof. Idamoyibo’s work was quick to acknowledge that not all Okpe people behave this way. “There are many good-hearted Okpe sons and daughters who go out of their way to lift others, create access, and build together,” he affirmed. However, he criticized what he described as a dangerous “I am the only” syndrome — the tendency among some individuals to isolate themselves as the sole rich, educated, or influential voice within the community.
To illustrate his point, the speaker shared two anecdotes. In one, an Okpe man appointed to a senior government position brought along three other Okpe individuals and one Urhobo to work with him. What seemed a positive step soon turned sour when his wife opposed the appointments, reportedly saying, “They gave you this high position, and you surrounded yourself with these wicked Okpe people?” She allegedly vowed that none of them would benefit economically — and according to the speaker, ensured her husband followed through on that.
The address concluded with a call for self-reflection and renewed solidarity. “It’s time,” the speaker urged, “that we break this cycle and learn from others who, when they rise, pull their people up with them. Okpe can only advance when we reposition our minds for collective success.
STEP TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERS CAN TAKE IN RELATIONS TO OKPE
KINGDOM
Transformational leaders empower their followers and nurture them through change. In the context of Okpe society, such leaders strive to raise awareness and collective consciousness, motivating individuals and communities to rise above self-interest for the common good. By fostering a culture of trust and open dialogue, transformational leaders encourage citizens to engage in meaningful change and innovation.
Northouse (2022) emphasizes that transformational leaders are effective in building trust, fostering collaboration, and celebrating others’ accomplishments. This principle is particularly relevant in Okpe leadership, where recognizing and uplifting community achievements is vital.
Rather than denigrating others, especially on platforms like social media—a transformational Okpe leader celebrates the success of fellow citizens to model humility and integrity.
Stanley (2000), in The Millionaire Mind, also underscores the importance of interpersonal skills.
After extensive interviews with wealthy individuals, he identified social skills—such as the ability to work well with others—as a key success factor. This aligns with the transformational leadership model, which thrives on relationship-building and empathy and is effective in Okpe kingdom.
Moreover, transformational leaders are not only agents of change but also uphold a strong moral compass. Avolio (1999) describes them as morally uplifting individuals who create cohesive visions and inspire trust. This ethical foundation is essential in distinguishing authentic leaders from manipulative figures like Hitler, whose leadership lacked a moral core and should not be considered a model for transformational leadership.
In the Okpe context, transformational leaders possess intuitive appeal. According to Nicholls (1988), these leaders are “movers and shakers” who inspire and guide followers during times of transition, not by coercion but through influence, vision, and collective motivation. Such leadership is indispensable for fostering lasting transformation in any evolving Okpe society.
THE ROLE OF DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS
Engaging the Youth as Future Leaders:
To ensure a thriving future for the Okpe Nation, current leaders must intentionally identify and mentor promising young individuals. This involves creating platforms for youth participation in cultural, civic, and leadership initiatives. By establishing mentorship programs, offering internships, and encouraging community service, elders can pass on wisdom while nurturing innovation. Leadership must be modeled with integrity, inclusivity, and vision. Empowering youth also requires investing in their education, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills. When youth feel heard, guided, and valued, they are more likely to grow into responsible leaders who champion Okpe’s transformation and sustainability (UNESCO, 2022).
The Diaspora’s Role in Shaping the Future: The Okpe diaspora holds immense potential to drive transformative changes in their homeland by contributing skills, knowledge, and financial resources. Diaspora communities are known to support development through remittances, innovation, and advocacy (Newland & Tanaka, 2010). Their global exposure can help introduce progressive governance, education, and health initiatives in Okpe land. As transnational actors, they bridge local challenges with international opportunities, fostering sustainable development (Gamlen, 2014). To maximize this impact, structured engagement frameworks are essential for
integrating diaspora talents into national development plans.
CONCLUSION
Call To Action: Embracing the Journey of Transformation
The Okpe Nation requires the collective effort and commitment of all its people, guided by transformative leadership principles. One key tenet of transformational leadership is a call to action in our culture, a call to ethics and morals. For example, former U.S president John F. Kennedy appealed to the human values of the American people when he stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” If I have an opportunity, the appeal of this message would ring similar, can we ask not only ask what Okpe nation can do for us, but what we can do for our Okpe nation.
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