Udu Kingdom in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State has officially announced the passing of its revered monarch, His Royal Majesty Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu 1, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom.
The monarch, who ascended the throne on May 20, 1994, joined his ancestors on February 24, 2025, at the age of 86, after a distinguished reign spanning 31 years.
The announcement was made by the Otota and Regent of Udu Kingdom, High Chief (Sir) Samuelson Esikomunu Odibo, on behalf of the Udu Council of Chiefs, during a press conference held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Udu Kingdom Palace in Otor-Udu, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. The statement confirmed the monarch’s transition and described the late king as a pillar of peace, unity, and development, highlighting his pivotal role in the creation of the Udu Local Government Area during his reign.
As a mark of honour, the Udu Kingdom has declared a nine-day mourning period, commencing Thursday, April 17, through Friday, April 25, 2025. During this time, all forms of social gatherings, including weddings and other celebrations involving loud music, are prohibited. Additionally, markets and shops across the kingdom will remain closed on Saturday, April 19, and Friday, April 24, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The Council of Chiefs has announced that further details regarding the final rites of passage will be made public in due course. Residents and well-wishers are urged to respect the mourning protocols and support the kingdom during this solemn period.
Read the full statement below:
A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE OTOTA OF UDU KINGDOM ON BEHALF OF THE UDU COUNCIL OF CHIEFS TO ANNOUNCE THE JOURNEY OF HIS ROYAL MAJESTY BARRISTER EMMANUEL BETHEL OTETE DELEKPE, OWHORU 1, OVIE OF UDU KINGDOM TO THE GREAT BEYOND.
Udu Adoo!
Udu Adoo!!
Udu Adoo!!!
Dear Udu Indigenes home and Abroad,
Fellow Nigerian citizens
Residents of Udu Kingdom
Gentlemen of the press,
It is with hearts filled with profound sadness, but with gratitude to God for a glorious reign that we are gathered here today to announce the journey of our revered Monarch, His Royal Majesty Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, to be with the ancestors.
His Royal Majesty Barrister E. B. O. Delekpe, Owhorhu 1 was our very first King. He was crowned on May 20th, 1994, and reigned over the kingdom for 31 years. He was a symbol of our cultural heritage whose reign brought development, peace, and unity to Udu. It was during his remarkable reign that Udu as a Local Government was created. His Royal Majesty joined the ancestors on the 24th of February 2025 after 86 years of merritorious sourjon on earth.
The Council of Chiefs and the Royal Family are currently making arrangements for the final rites of passage of the king, which will be announced in due course.
As a mark of honour for the departed king and as custom demands, there is hereby declared throughout the length and breadth of the kingdom a 9-day mourning period effective Thursday, 17th April, through Friday, the 25th of April, 2025.
During this period, there shall be no social gatherings, burials, marriages, or any celebrations that require the playing of loud music. There will be a complete closure of markets and shops throughout Udu on Saturday 19th and Friday, the 24th of April, during the mourning period between the hours of 6am to 6pm. We urge all indigenes and those who dwell with us to respect our sensibilities and adhere strictly to these activities and others that may be announced by joining us in paying our respects to our departed King.
May we all rise now to observe a minute of silence in honour of the King.
We will continue to provide the public with regular updates on the final rites of passage and other related activities. We regret any inconveniences that may arise but will appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and support during this difficult time.
Thank you.
High Chief (Sir) Samuelson Esikomunu Odibo
Otota and Regent of Udu Kingdom
Wednesday 16th May 2025
