17/05/2025
Late Chief T. A. E Salubi
Salubi was President-General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) from December 30, 1961 to 1983. In his speech as President of UPU, Salubi said:
“Urhobo is great and that greatness must at all times be jealously guarded."
He was a great rep of Urhobo nation. A political associate of Obafemi Awolowo, who visited him in his Sapele residence.
But when the Urhobo nation resolved to vote against Awolowo, Salubi stood his ground and stepped aside as the President General of UPU.
When Awolowo won, Awolowo made his son the Commissioner for Works, Transport and Housing.
He is not only popular in Urhobo nation, he was also well known among the powerful in Nigeria during his lifetime.
He was also a friend to the then Oba of Benin, Oba Akenzua II. Oba Akenzua II also visited him in his hometown in Agbon.
He was a blessing to the Urhobo nation and her neighbours. He was well respected by those who crossed his path.
Salubi stood his ground to ensure the Urhobos of Okpe reclaimed Sapele from Dore Numa and his kinsmen who were and are still Land grabbers.
“The title “Olu Itsekiri” is historic and deserves to be retained by the Itsekiri. Changing it to “Olu of Warri” is illegitimate, not only because it violates Itsekiri history, but because it takes and steals from their neighbours who share the name of Warri with the Itsekiri.”
The above was the comment of Salubi on the Olu of Itsekiri change of title to Olu of Warri.
Credits:
Ejiro Etaghene
Ochuko Tonukari of Urhobo Historical Society.
