By Admin
The development, they warned, poses a serious threat to the corporate identity and constitutional integrity of the foremost Urhobo socio cultural organisation. Prominent Urhobo sons and daughters reminded the leadership that the UPU constitution makes no provision whatsoever for the offices of Patron or Matron. Instead, the constitution clearly recognises a Board of Trustees as the only statutory body entrusted with oversight responsibilities, stressing that any attempt to smuggle in extraneous titles amounts to a distortion of the union’s founding principles.
Speaking on the matter, Otiti aka truthsayer faulted the action of the President General, describing it as a clear demonstration of a poor understanding of the structure and workings of the once respected union. He said the introduction of such honorary titles reduces the UPU to the level of a social club or market women association, where patrons and matrons are casually appointed without constitutional backing.
Top Urhobo leaders expressed deep concern over what they described as a steady erosion of the dignity, discipline and institutional order for which the UPU was once known. They warned that continued disregard for the constitution could further weaken the moral fabric, credibility and authority of the organisation among Urhobo people at home and in the diaspora.
While condemning the process, the leaders were careful to separate the office from the individual, describing Chief Captain Onoharigho as a decent, patriotic and widely respected Urhobo son. They recalled that Onoharigho previously served as Deputy President General of the UPU with distinction and without blemish to his record.
They therefore appealed to Chief Onoharigho not to allow his hard earned reputation to be damaged by what they described as the visionless, inept and voiceless leadership of the current UPU President General, urging him to distance himself from any action capable of rubbishing his name and legacy.
