By Fegor Ogene
Chief Simeon Akpovwoghokohwo Ohwofa stands today as one of the quiet giants of the Urhobo Nation, a man whose depth of character, disciplined mind, strategic insight, moral clarity, and strong financial capacity have earned him the admiration of many across Urhoboland and beyond. As the 2025 UPU General Executive Election approaches, the Urhobo Nation once again finds itself at a critical point where unity, leadership vision, and collective responsibility will determine our direction for years to come. In this decisive moment, it becomes necessary to examine carefully the kind of leadership that can restore dignity, confidence, and cohesion to the Urhobo people. It is within this context that the personality, legacy, and character of Chief Simeon Akpovwoghokohwo Ohwofa stand out as a compelling choice for those seeking a stronger and more stable UPU.
Chief Ohwofa’s journey reflects the kind of experience that shapes great leadership. Armed with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Biochemistry & Nutrition from the University of Ibadan and an MBA from the University of Benin, he built an intellectual foundation grounded in discipline and excellence. His early professional career at Roche Nigeria Limited (Vitamin Division), one of the world’s leading global health corporations, prepared him with global administrative standards. Rising to the position of Departmental Head before retiring honourably in 1995, he demonstrated competence, reliability, and a capacity for leadership under pressure. His entrepreneurial contributions through Nutrivitas Limited and O.M. Simons Nigeria Limited further strengthened his reputation as a builder of systems, opportunities, and human capacity. He proved through action that true leadership is measured by the value one adds to society and the doors one opens for others to succeed.
Beyond his professional excellence, Chief Ohwofa has demonstrated unwavering devotion to the preservation of Urhobo cultural identity. As Coordinator of the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS), he has remained committed to safeguarding the intellectual and historical inheritance of the Urhobo people. His tenure as President of the Urhobo Social Club, Lagos, showcased his ability to bring together Urhobo professionals and elites under the shared banner of unity, mutual support, and community advancement. His leadership is therefore not theoretical; it is grounded in decades of visible work that has strengthened the social, cultural, and intellectual fabric of Urhoboland.
Despite this rich legacy of service, recent days have witnessed an unfortunate rise in propaganda, driven by those who fear the renewed hope that Chief Ohwofa represents. A small group of detractors, threatened by the momentum of his consultations and the overwhelming support he continues to receive, has descended into malicious blackmail, spreading unfounded allegations that his aspiration to serve as President General of the UPU is sponsored by “Ijaw interests.” Such claims are not only baseless; they are irresponsible, divisive, and represent a deliberate attempt to sow confusion among the Urhobo people. They insult our collective intelligence and undermine the quest for leadership built on competence, humility, and service.
It must be stated objectively and intellectually that Chief Simeon Akpovwoghokohwo Ohwofa is a made man by the grace of God, a man whose well-documented achievements, education, business accomplishments, community leadership, and decades of financial independence clearly show he is someone who cannot be bankrolled, manipulated, or remotely controlled by any external interest. His life story is a testament to personal strength, economic stability, and a deep sense of self-worth. No one “makes” a man who has already made himself through decades of hard work, global corporate experience, private enterprise, and distinguished community service. To suggest otherwise is not just misleading, it is intellectually dishonest.
These falsehoods being circulated are simply the desperate tools of those who benefit from confusion and wish to frustrate the aspiration of the majority for a more organised, credible, and forward-thinking UPU. Urhobos at home and in the diaspora must reject these attempts at misinformation and remain focused on the larger goal: the restoration of dignity, unity, and strong leadership within our foremost sociocultural institution. The Simeon Ohwofa Team, composed of respected men and women committed to Urhobo progress, represents a clear break from the politics of division and mediocrity. Their mission is grounded in truth, competence, and a genuine desire to reposition the Urhobo Nation for greater relevance.
Those who propagate lies must consider the long-term consequences of their actions. History is never kind to those who sabotage their own people for short-term gains. There is still space for reflection, for repentance, and for a return to dignity, because falsehood ultimately consumes those who live by it.
As the Urhobo Nation stands at the crossroads, the responsibility falls on every son and daughter of Urhobo to choose wisely, guided not by fear or propaganda, but by truth, competence, and a commitment to a greater future. Chief Simeon Akpovwoghokohwo Ohwofa embodies the qualities that the Urhobo Nation urgently needs at this moment: clarity of purpose, strength of character, cultural consciousness, administrative excellence, economic independence, and an unshakeable dedication to the progress of his people. Supporting him is not merely supporting a candidate; it is supporting a vision for a united, respected, and forward-moving Urhobo Nation.
In this election, the choice before us is not just political it is historical. And it is a choice that will shape the dignity, unity, and long-term trajectory of the Urhobo Nation for years to come.
