The Udu Kingdom has announced the transition of her revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, Owhorhu I, Ovie of Udu Kingdom, who passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 86.
The formal announcement was made during a press conference held at the Udu Kingdom Palace Hall, Otor-Udu, on Wednesday. The declaration followed a high-level meeting between the Udu Council of Chiefs and the Executives and members of the Union of Udu Communities (UUC), with all Community Presidents in attendance.
High Chief Sam Esiko Odibo JP, the Otota of Udu Kingdom, delivered the announcement, expressing deep sorrow over the monarch’s passing while emphasizing the immense legacy he leaves behind. In a press statement he signed on behalf of the Udu Council of Chiefs, the royal family, and the entire Kingdom, a nine-day mourning period was declared in honour of the late King.
“With hearts filled with profound sadness, but with gratitude to God for a glorious reign, we announce the journey of our revered Monarch, His Royal Majesty Barrister Emmanuel Bethel Otete Delekpe, to be with the ancestors,” the statement read. “He breathed his last at 3:05 p.m. on Monday, the 24th of February, 2025.”
Crowned on May 20, 1994, Owhorhu 1 was the first monarch of the Udu Kingdom and reigned for 30 years. His leadership was marked by the creation of Udu Local Government, as well as sustained peace, cultural revival, and notable development across the Kingdom.
In tribute to his life and reign, the mourning period will commence on Thursday, April 17, and conclude on Friday, April 25, 2025. During this time, all social events, including weddings, burials, and celebrations involving loud music, are prohibited. Markets and shops across the Kingdom will be closed on Thursday and Friday, April 24 and 25, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Additionally, all Udu Chiefs are required to wear a black armband featuring the King’s image and fly corresponding flags on their vehicles throughout the mourning period. Sons and daughters of Udu, both at home and in the diaspora, are encouraged to display the King’s image on their social media profiles as a sign of solidarity and respect.
The announcement also mandates that all Community Presidents use town criers to relay the news of the monarch’s passing on the evening of April 16. The mourning period will culminate in the simultaneous firing of seven cannon shots in all 32 Udu communities at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Further updates regarding the final rites of passage and related activities will be communicated to the public in due course.
