UMUNEDE: Chief Gabriel Egbule, the Oliha of Umunede, is both a revered traditional leader and an accomplished businessman. As Chairman and Managing Director of International Uniforms Nigeria Ltd, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s foremost uniform companies, he has earned a reputation for excellence in enterprise and community service.
His journey in politics and community leadership began early. In his thirties, he became President-General of the Umunede Progressive Union (UPU), the apex town union of Umunede Kingdom, while also playing an active role in Ede Club, another influential community association.
By 1979, he contested for a seat in the Bendel State House of Assembly under the platform of the defunct Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP). Since then, Chief Egbule has remained a consistent advocate for unity, progress, and political advancement in Umunede.
In this exclusive interview with RapidoSpace News, Chief Egbule revisits Umunede’s political journey, the internal cracks that weakened its influence, and the urgent call for unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
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RapidoSpace News:
Chief, you are a respected figure in Umunede. From your experience, could you give us a brief history of Umunede politics and how it has evolved?
Chief Gabriel Egbule:
Much of what I will share is already in the biography I am writing. But first, let me correct a recent claim. Chief Francis Igwebuike, the Odabemeze of Umunede, said recently that Ede Club betrayed him when he contested the Ika Local Government chairmanship under the zero-party system. That is not accurate.
Here’s the truth: Chief Igwebuike had strong backing from the Umunede Council of Chiefs and Chief Humphrey Iweriebon, popularly called Nkpitime, from Owa, who genuinely wanted him to win and become Chairman of Ika Local Government Area.
This was not betrayal. At the time, Chief Igwebuike, who had just taken a chieftaincy title after returning from the United States as a reverend, was made Secretary of Umunede Council of Chiefs under Chief Felix Osuhon, the Obaseki of Umunede, as Chairman of the Council. He aligned himself with the chiefs. Unfortunately, he failed to carry the Umunede Progressive Union (UPU) and Ede Club along.
During that period, the town unions UPU and Ede Club were at loggerheads with the chiefs over community resources. As UPU President-General in my early thirties, I saw it firsthand.
We had fought to recover properties from UAC and John Holt after their lease expired. But the chiefs insisted on controlling the revenue, collecting rents and sharing it among themselves while giving the Obi whatever portion they wished. We resisted, insisting that the revenue must serve the entire community.
Chief Igwebuike sided with the chiefs and even referred to us as “commoners.” The town unions took offense. Leaders like Francis Ochie, then Ede Club National President and a German-trained master’s degree holder, alongside respected intellectuals such as Christopher Okonye (Principal of Ika Grammar School) who was the secretary of Ede club and strong member of UPU, Mr. Ekpeni (Senior civil servant), J.J. Morgan (a senior Bank Manager) Andrew, and others felt slighted.
Both UPU and Ede Club threw their weight behind Ochie, advising and supporting him to contest for the chairmanship, with Mr. Barry Azubuike as their councillorship candidate. Meanwhile, the chiefs backed Chief Igwebuike and Late Mr. Osomiha, a retired headmaster, for councillorship.
At one-point, royal fathers from Ika East visited Umunede to plead for a consensus candidate, fearing an Agbor man might win. We held a reconciliation meeting at Travellers Hotel, Umunede.
Chief Humphrey Iweriebon led the Igwebuike camp, while I, alongside Chief Patrick Osakwe, the Idehen of Umunede, led the Ochie/town unions group. After about three hours of deliberation, the meeting ended in deadlock.
Our position was that since Francis Igwebuike is a young Man at that time, He should give Mr Ochie a chance to be the Umunede consensus candidate which he refused to oblige
Chief Igwebuike never approached us to reconcile or seek support. That division, not betrayal, cost him victory. In the end, an Agbor candidate won, Ochie came second, and Igwebuike placed third.
In the councillorship race, our candidate, Barry Azubuike, won, while theirs lost. That split marked one of the beginnings of Umunede’s political decline.
Don’t forget, before that political division, Umunede was at the forefront of Ika politics. Chief Felix Osuhon was a minister in the then Midwestern State. Mr. Isima from Umunede was Local Government Chairman.
Late Hon. Julius Iyama also became a member of the Bendel State House of Assembly under Governor Ambrose Alli. I and late Mr. Okoh too contested for a seat in the 1979 election. So, Umunede had strong people who were doing well politically.
RapidoSpace News
Fast-forward to today, as the 2027 elections approach, what must Umunede do to regain political relevance?
Chief Gabriel Egbule:
Unity is the first step. Hon. Elekeokuri and SABA must work together. Their rivalry has held Umunede back for too long. If they had joined forces earlier, our town would not be in this political coma.
Even if they do not contest in 2027, they can negotiate for appointments and development projects. Their combined influence would give Umunede bargaining power.
RapidoSpace News:
Why do you say they may not contest?
Chief Gabriel Egbule:
Because the seats are not open. The Delta State House of Assembly seat is not vacant Dr. Okowa’s daughter is returning for a second term.
As for the House of Representatives, equity requires it to go back to Ika South, which has long complained of marginalization. Look at the record:
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Nduka Irabor — Ika North East (1999–2003)
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Late Hon. Cairo Ojougboh — Ika South (2003–2007)
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Hon. Doris Uboh — Ika South (2007–2011)
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Hon. Victor Nwokolo — Ika North East (2011 till date)
Clearly, Ika South is overdue and will fight hard to reclaim it in 2027.
RapidoSpace News
What about the Senate?
Chief Gabriel Egbule:
That will be a heavyweight clash. Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is in the race, while Senator Ned Nwoko wants to retain his seat. Chief Nwaboshi is out of the picture. So, the real battle is between Okowa and Nwoko two titans of Delta North politics.
RapidoSpace News:
If Elekeokuri and SABA cannot contest, what roles should they play?
Chief Gabriel Egbule:
They must negotiate wisely. Elekeokuri, with his experience and political connection in Delta State, should secure a commissioner slot through the Governor’s office. SABA, who built APC’s structure in Umunede and remains highly popular, should lobby for federal or parastatal appointments.
But this requires unity and alignment with Senator Okowa, still the political father of Ika politics.
Today, Dr. Ebie is NDDC Chairman, and Doris Uboh is a Director in the Rural Electrification Agency. Yet, despite SABA’s sacrifices and efforts in popularizing APC in Ika land, Umunede has nothing. That must change.
RapidoSpace News:
What is your final message to Umunede people ahead of 2027?
Chief Gabriel Egbule:
My message is simple: Umunede must unite. If Elekeokuri and SABA Okoh put the town first and leaders rise above rivalry, we can reclaim our rightful place in Ika politics.
2027 must not meet us divided. Unity is the only road to political redemption. SABA should work with Okowa now they are in the same political party. In politics, there is no permanent enemy.
