The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Orhue I, CFR, mni, has offered royal prayers and blessings to Senator Ede Dafinone and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while warning politicians and their supporters against electoral violence and intimidation.
The monarch gave the blessings on Wednesday when Senator Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, led a delegation of APC leaders and campaign officials on a courtesy visit to his palace to formally seek royal prayers ahead of the commencement of their electioneering activities.
While receiving the delegation, the Orodje emphasised his non-partisan position as a traditional ruler, stressing that the peace, unity and development of Okpe Kingdom remained paramount, irrespective of political affiliations.
The monarch cautioned political actors against carrying weapons, engaging in intimidation or promoting hostility during campaigns, insisting that political competition must not undermine the longstanding unity and peaceful coexistence of the people.
He also urged the campaign team to engage directly with voters across Sapele Local Government Area, stressing that electoral success required sustained grassroots mobilisation, effective communication and meaningful engagement with communities.
According to the traditional ruler, no election should be taken for granted, as candidates seeking public office must demonstrate commitment, diligence and a willingness to reach the electorate in every community.
The Orodje subsequently offered prayers for Senator Dafinone; the APC House of Assembly candidate for Sapele Constituency I, Hon. Chief Perkins Umukoro; Hon. Ejiro Jamani; and other members of the campaign team, wishing them success in their political engagements.
Earlier, Senator Dafinone explained that the visit was in recognition of the monarch’s traditional authority and the importance of seeking royal blessings before embarking on political campaigns.
“As sons of the kingdom, we are about to embark on our campaign, and we cannot proceed without your royal blessing. We seek your support in our quest to bring honour to both the kingdom and the nation,” Dafinone stated.
The senator expressed confidence in the APC’s campaign structure in Sapele, describing members of the team as experienced political leaders committed to mobilising support for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Speaking on national developments, Dafinone commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, maintaining that the policies were beginning to yield positive results despite the challenges confronting the country and the effects of global economic uncertainties.
He argued that the reforms had improved the financial capacity of state governments, enabling Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to undertake development projects and implement programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Deltans.
Dafinone also expressed confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s re-election prospects, attributing his assessment to what he described as the governor’s growing popularity and the development initiatives of his administration.
The senator’s delegation was led by former Sapele Local Government Chairman and Chairman of the Sapele APC Campaign Council, Chief Eugene Inoaghan.
Other prominent members of the delegation included Delta Central APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki; Sapele Local Government Chairman, Hon. Chief Bright Abeke; Deputy Chairman of the Sapele Campaign Council, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor; and Sapele Campaign Coordinator, Chief Cyril Ogodo.
Also present were Chief Ramson Onoyake, Chief Julius Egbedi, DESOPADEC Commissioner; Hon. Churchill Ayomanor, Chairman of Sapele Okpe Community; Chief Austin Arieja, Chief Austin Opubor, Chief Patrick Akamovba, Chief Godwin Dadi, Hon. Chief Richard Okotie, Chief Kingsley Abeke, Chief Tom Anirah and Chief Babuba Moses Abeke, among other prominent sons and daughters of Okpe Kingdom.
The visit formed part of the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the Orodje’s message underscoring the importance of peaceful campaigns, responsible political conduct and the preservation of communal harmony throughout the electoral process.