UHS Conference: Oyiborhoro Warns Against Loss of Urhobo Language, Culture

By Jason Oghenevieze

The President of the Urhobo Historical Society, Dr. Aruegodore Oyiborhoro, has warned that the Urhobo language and cultural identity could suffer further erosion unless urgent measures are taken to pass them from one generation to another.

Oyiborhoro spoke in London at the 14th Conference of the Urhobo Historical Society, where he called for the use of schools, digital applications and community programmes to strengthen the teaching and use of Urhobo.

He identified urbanisation, globalisation, generational gaps and digital misinformation as major challenges confronting the preservation of Urhobo heritage.

He said the Urhobo diaspora should be regarded as an important resource in efforts to sustain the language and culture, urging Urhobos living abroad to support scholarship, cultural institutions and historical documentation.

According to him, preserving Urhobo identity goes beyond keeping records of the past, as the people’s history continues to influence their language, governance traditions, economic ingenuity, arts and collective identity.

The two-day conference, held from July 24 to 25 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Bexleyheath, also featured the launch of The Warri Crises, the eighth monograph of the Society.

Oyiborhoro said the publication demonstrated the importance of documented history in correcting distorted narratives and ensuring that future generations had access to reliable accounts of the Urhobo experience.

He recalled that the UHS was established in New York City in 1999 by Urhobo intellectuals and had since developed into an institution dedicated to documenting and promoting the history and culture of the people.

He paid tribute to the late Professor Peter Palmer Ekeh, the Society’s founding president, and other contributors to its intellectual and cultural development.

The conference further examined traditional Urhobo institutions, including age-grade systems and the Ovie institution, alongside the people’s economic and artistic heritage.

But Oyiborhoro also drew attention to the humanitarian situation in Okuama, Delta State, urging international human rights groups and justice advocates to intervene over the alleged prolonged detention of community leaders.

He said the March 2024 crisis had had devastating consequences for the community, alleging that homes, schools, livelihoods and other infrastructure were destroyed during subsequent military operations.

He called for the release of detained community leaders and respect for their fundamental rights and due process.

Oyiborhoro also urged authorities to investigate reports concerning the death of Pa James Oghoroko in military custody and the release of Pa Dennis Okugbaye after he reportedly fell critically ill.

He appealed for assistance for displaced Okuama families and called for measures to restore the community.

The conference, attended by traditional rulers, scholars, political leaders and Urhobo professionals from Nigeria and abroad, ended with calls for greater unity, preservation of Urhobo identity and stronger investment in the people’s cultural and intellectual heritage.