The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom. HRM Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I, JP. OON Monarch has called for “a workable constitution” that will give every Nigerian a sense of belonging and pride, guaranteeing justice and fairness saying this is crucial and has acquired a sense of urgency
The Uvwie Monarch who spoke on Saturday(14/2/2026) during the unveiling of his autobiography, the “ODYSSEY OF ROYALTY: THE REIGN OF ABE 1, OVIE OF UVWIE KINGDOM at his palace, Effurun GRA in Uvwie local government area of Delta State on the occasion of his 18th coronation anniversary said Nigeria, was a country blessed with abundant natural resources, talented and resilient people, anxiously anticipating when the light shall shine on the land.
The book launch took was attended by dignitaries including representatives of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, members of the National and state Assemblies, array of Traditional Rulers across the country, amongst others.
President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, who also chaired the occasion acknowledged the positive contributions of the Uvwie Monarch in fostering peace and development, highlighting his collaboration with federal authorities to enhance local governance.
He expressed pride in the Ovie’s leadership and wished him continued health and longevity.
Also speaking Delta State Governor,Rt Hon.Sheriff Oborevwori highlighted the occasion as a celebration of legacy and the Uvwie monarch’s enlightened leadership, which has promoted stability and development.
He described the biography as a source of inspiration for future leaders, aligning his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda with the values of the Uvwie’s leadership.
The governor represented by his Chief of staff Prince Johnson Eridjo stated that the biography was presented as a gift to Uvwie Kingdom, Delta State, and Nigeria, underscoring the message that true royalty is characterized by service and integrity.
The Chief Launcher, Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo who was represented by Hon Silver Ofugara urged support for the Ovie’s reign, as his 18 years have significantly transformed the kingdom.
Chairman, National Mega Summit of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria , Dr Umaru Mohamed Atiku ,Emir of Akko in Gombe State commended the Ovie of Uvwie for attracting development to his Kingdom and for his leadership qualities during his tenure as chairman of the group.
Chairman of Uvwie local government council, Chief Anthony Ofoni, the book reviewer, Professor Joe Cbugu, SAN a veteran journalist Chief Omafume Amurun and others also praised the Ovie’s commitment to education, noting the scholarships he had provided to over two thousand students in Uvwie.
They encouraged the people of Uvwie and friends of the kingdom to get a copy of the book” Odyssey of Royalty”: the reign of Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom that reveals the life of the monarch,his family and his reign .
Below is the full speech by HRM (Dr) Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso JP. OON, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom
“It is with heart full of humility and gratitude to the Almighty God, the giver
of life and wisdom, that I stand before you today. I am particularly
gladdened that at 83 years, I welcome you all to this milestone moment.
The unveiling of ODYSSEY OF ROYALTY: THE REIGN OF ABE 1, OVIE OF
UVWIE KINGDOM.
THE PURPOSE OF THE ODYSSEY
Why write an AUTOBIOGRAPHY? The Elders would say that until the lion
tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.
This book, Odyssey of Royalty, is my attempt to document the truth of our
era. It is a record of the paths we have trodden, the storms we have
weathered, and the triumphs we have celebrated together. It captures the
transition from a life of private service to the sacred responsibility of the
throne.
We are here today not just to celebrate the chronicle of my adventures and
ventures but more significantly, to commemorate the terrific milestones of
our collective efforts as a kingdom that is inspired and invigorated by great
dreams.
When the idea of this book was mooted by the Center for Traditional Rulers
Advancement lately, I was initially hesitant but later yielded, being mindful of the
importance of genuine history, especially, when we tell our stories by ourselves,
devoid of prejudice, fear or favour. Perhaps, there could be no better ways to
preserve our core values, cultural identity, build critical thinking about our
transformative experiences and inspire posterity towards greatness, than
through such relevant, nonfictional and authentic publications.
The truth is that the potency of providence can never be underestimated, when it
comes to longevity and prosperity. Right from the womb, God has a plan and
destiny for every individual created. Divine favour, the extent of our willingness
and submission to the divine guidance are consequential to achievable
outcomes.
I have been highly favoured by Providence to have had a successful
professional career at the MINT, spanning 30 years of dedicated and
uninterrupted service. My wife has also been equally favoured by God. She
worked and retired from First Bank of Nigeria as the first female Deputy
General Manager of the Bank. My youngest son, Ediri, is the first black head
of surgeons at the Oxford University Teaching Hospital in the United
Kingdom.
Time and space will not permit me to enumerate my achievements and
challenges as the Ovie of Uvwie in the past 18 years but suffice it to say that
it has been worthwhile. Whatever I have been able to accomplish as a
monarch is a reflection of our robust socio-economic inclusivity approach,
the organic solidarity and manifold resilience of Uvwie people in the pursuit
of our shared goals.
As an experienced public administrator, I know the importance of agility in
leadership and I understand the profound strength in empowering every
team member to maximize their potentials.
My administration as Ovie started with almost a blank page. The terrain was
tough to navigate. The task seemed daunting and cynics were at their best
but we trusted in God with whom all things are possible. There were pivotal
moments of prolonged debates and brainstorming for crucial decisions.
From the onset, I chose to go by the road that was less traveled, mindful of
the implications but I knew that taking risks and charting new paths, were
very significant to justifying my election as a community leader. I opted to
be a purposeful monarch, with laudable targets, unfeigned transparency,
compassion, effective communication and courage for bold actions in the
right direction.
The conception and translation to reality of the Ovie of Uvwie multi-million naira
Magnificent Palace, in a record time, under my watch, stands out as a noble feat
of our collective energy.
In the past 18 years, Uvwie has witnessed rapid economic growth, enhanced
functionality and aesthetics of public spaces and facilities. We have incredible
evidence of uncommon synergy, shared dreams and relative peace, in Uvwie,
despite the threat of vicious miscreants and ruthless abductors in many parts of
the country.
My profound gratitude goes to every Uvwie citizen, our friends and
associates. You are the architects of this success. I earnestly imagine that
our future is boundless, judging from what you have proven all the way.
Thank you for being who you are – good people.
Today, I want to take a moment just say thank you to Uvwie people for the
confidence reposed in me and for your unflagging loyalty and extraordinary
commitment to the pursuit of Uvwie dream.
I had a multicultural upbringing, which has helped me to see the beauty of
diversity, from my birth place in Uvwie, Delta State, to schooling in Ishan,
Edo state and working for decades in Lagos and Abuja.
Permit me to digress a little to discuss our national wellbeing. I sincerely
commend the breathtaking efforts of the present administration in the
country at evolving pragmatic policies to reposition the nation for
greatness.
Nigeria, is a country blessed with abundant natural resources, talented and
resilient people, anxiously anticipating when the light shall shine on the land.
May the good Lord make his light to shine upon our belove country Nigeria and
put to flight the brutal forces of darkness, endemic corruption, religious
animosity, political inertia and tribalism, wherever they are situated.
We have come to a point in our national advancement that we must resolve to
unite and produce a workable constitution that will give every Nigerian a sense
of belonging and pride, guaranteeing justice and fairness. This is crucial and has
acquired a sense of urgency.
I know that a larger audience of friends and associates would have been here
today, from all around, to felicitate with us, but for the sudden overpriced
transport fares, particularly by some airlines operating in the country.
With the fearful trend of insecurity in the country, flying is now presumed safer
than all other means of transport but the sky-high cost of flying seems even
scarier than skydiving. I earnestly appeal to the airlines operating in the country
to consider a downward review of airfares in the best interest of national
development. However, some people said it was still cheaper to pay expensive
airfares than to negotiate with kidnappers on the roads for payment of
gargantuan ransom. That’s not funny.
Let me also say that the government alone cannot solve the problems of
Nigeria. More than ever, traditional rulers and religious leaders need to join
forces with the government to propagate the core message of unity and
compassion, economic empowerment and upliftment of the masses. As
leaders, we are expected to be exemplary, shun self-aggrandizement,
depravities and profligacy.
I say to Nigerians, be strong and persevere. This challenging time shall pass
sooner than we imagine. Every cloud has a silver lining, and it is always
darkest at the hour before the dawn. We shall overcome all these problems
and Nigeria shall triumph.
I will not fail to use this opportunity to thank the Executive Governor of
Delta State, Rt. Hon. Chief (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for his
infrastructural upgrade in Uvwie Kingdom. I must also appreciate you for
the yearly support for the Uvwie Education/Scholarship Scheme, a project
that was started by His Excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, CON,
the immediate past Governor of Delta State. The support of the former
Governors of Delta State, His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and Dr.
Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan to Uvwie Kingdom remain eternal in my heart.
Thank you for listening.
LONG LIVE UVWIE KINGDOM !
LONG LIVE DELTA STATE !!
LONG LIVE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA !!!
HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe I, JP, OON,
Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom
