UPUC General Assembly explains objection of Oboaguonona’s imposition as president

Says there was non-compliance of electoral process, no election

The general assembly of the Canada chapter of the apex Urhobo socio-cultural organisation, Urhobo Progress Union Canada (UPUC) has revealed why they rejected Evelyn Omotejowho Oboaguonona bid for its presidency, hinging non-compliance of the electoral process as basis for the significant move.

A statement (visual and written) released by Chairman Caretaker Committee and members of UPUC General Assembly representatives, Bishop Jude Orovwigho and Omiregwa Vwede Obahor, the September 15, 2024 election was deemed inconclusive due to irregularities; as a result, no votes were cast for the offices of president and vice president.

“We members of the Urhobo Progress Union of Canada wish to express our strong objection to the imposition of Evelyn Omotejowho Oboaguonona as the president of UPU Canada by the UPU worldwide. Such an approach undermines the principles of democracy, fairness, and transparency that should govern our organisation.

“Leadership positions must be determined through a legitimate and inclusive process that reflects the collective will of the members. I urge all stakeholders to uphold due process and ensure that the leadership selection is carried out in a manner that respects the voices of all members.

“Any attempt to impose a leader without broad consensus is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent. We stand here to say that there was no election. There was no election. And if there was no election, then we can’t have a president.

“We call that the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union worldwide to rise up and do the needful. They should rise up and correct the mistake that they have created. We want peace; we want Urhobo Progress Union to be a union that carries honor and respect.

“We want people who are faithful, people who are transparent, people who are honest to be at the helm of affairs of UPU. We want to be very proud of our union. We stand against every form of imposition of Evelyn upon us. God bless UPU, God bless all our sons and daughters that stand for truth, God bless Canada,” Orovwigho said in the statement that is now viral.

According to the UPUC General Assembly, the election did not take place due to the non-compliance of the electoral process. They challenged anyone to show proof that a conclusive election took place. “The election process was totally non-compliant with the UPU Canada 2012 Constitution (Articles 4 and 6) from its planning to implementation.

“If there was an election, we can consider the resolution from the mediation, but there was no election. So if you now say Evelyn should serve her tenure, who voted her into that tenure? So, if we accept, we are building illegality on illegality. And if we keep doing this, believe me, it will implode, and we can’t make progress. Back home, they think it is De Don that is fighting Evelyn; it is not,” Vwede Obahor added while surrounded by members of the general assembly.

He continued: “What I see is fraud because there’s impersonation now; there’s hijacking of a process, there’s no compliance of the bylaw, and we cannot sit and fold our hands. UPU has been, 100 percent politicised, and so the ‘makaba dance’ that Evelyn is dancing, there is a drum being beaten by somebody somewhere.” Sylvester Ogugu said.

It was gathered that Oboaguonona was on October 5, 2024, selected as the president of UPUC by seven persons out of over 37 active members of the chapter in a private residence. Following the illegality, five elders from the UPUC General Assembly on October 1, 2024, in a duly signed petition sent to the President-General, Barrister Ese Gam Oweh to intervene on the matter.

According to sources, Oboaguonona had visited Nigeria last December, where it was alleged that the UPU global headquarter (Nigeria) leadership, affirm and endorsed her as the UPUC president without justification.

“The UPU HQ did not justify the reason for their decision to select Evelyn Omotejowho Oboaguonona as UPUC president without an election, and since they were acting in their capacity as mediators or advisory to the dispute resolution, their decision is not legally final or binding on UPUC, thus UPUC will have to follow its set compliant procedure as set in its UPUC constitution article 11 section,” the source said.

When contacted, Oboaguonona said, “You know those either suspended or attempting to high jack a body they have not nurtured or truly care about. Just know that all you see in the space is garbage.”

“The number one citizen of Urhobo nation had to obey the voice of the majority at their meeting where this was discussed. Hence the verdict reached that am the leader in Canada. Thanks for reaching out,” she added.

All effort to get the UPU President-General, Olorogun (Barr) Ese Gam Owe to speak on the matter did not yield success, as he only responded: “How you dey?” as of the time of filing this report, following series of messages sent to him via WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, following the viral objection of Oboaguonona as president by the UPUC General Assembly, some traditional rulers of the Urhobo nation have tasked the President-General to ensure that peace returns to the once unified, peaceful chapter of the f the apex Urhobo socio-cultural organisation.