A respected Urhobo elder and public affairs advocate, Olorogun Zik Gbemre, has challenged what he described as an “unfounded and culturally unacceptable” claim by Chief Emuoboh Gbagi to the position of first son of the late business mogul and politician, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.
In a strongly worded statement dated August 14, 2025, Gbemre, who described himself as a close confidant of the late ex-minister, declared that Kenneth Gbagi’s eldest son is George Gbagi, followed by Michael Gbagi, with Emuoboh Gbagi being the third.
“George Gbagi is the eldest son of Kenneth Gbagi. Michael Gbagi is the second eldest. Emuoboh is the third. There is no dispute about this. Seniority in a family is not a matter of personal ambition, it is a matter of tradition,” Gbemre asserted.
He therefore called on Chief Faith Gbagi and Barr. Eric Gbagi, elder brothers of the late Kenneth Gbagi to “rise to the occasion” and safeguard the unity, truth, and cultural integrity of the family.
Five Gates, Birth Order, and Urhobo Tradition
According to Gbemre, the late Kenneth Gbagi had children across five different women, known in Urhobo tradition as “five gates.” While each gate has equal inheritance rights, he stressed that birth order plays a decisive role in succession, cultural rites, and ancestral responsibility.
“In Urhoboland, the first son, the Okpako r’emo, carries ancestral responsibility. You cannot just assume that role. It is determined by birth, not by influence or self-promotion,” he wrote.
Controversy Over Former Wife’s Return
Gbemre also condemned the alleged return of Evelyn, a former wife of the late Gbagi, to his Oginibo residence after his death. He argued that the move, reportedly facilitated by some family members, was in direct violation of Urhobo customs.
“It is a taboo in Ughievwen and Urhobo tradition for a woman who left her husband for many years, and possibly remarried, to return to his home after his death,” he warned. “She should be settled by her children elsewhere, but not in Gbagi’s ancestral home.”
Instead, he emphasised that during his lifetime, the late Kenneth Gbagi only formally introduced Justice Sybil Gbagi as his wife, making her the sole surviving legal spouse.
“She is the surviving wife of Kenneth Gbagi. Tradition accords her that place and respect. The family must protect her position and dignity,” he added.
A Call to Elders
Concluding, Gbemre urged the Gbagi elders to correct the narrative and prevent Emuoboh from usurping traditional hierarchy.
“If the elders shy away from the truth, what example are they setting for the youths? Urhobo tradition is not for sale. The truth must be told no matter who is involved,” he stated.
