Concern Raised Over Neglect Of Urhobo Musicians As Cultural Advocate Calls For Urgent Support
A cultural advocate, Eki David Greg (MKO), has called on the Urhobo people, political leaders, traditional institutions, business community, and other stakeholders to provide greater support for indigenous musicians while they are still alive, warning that continued neglect could threaten the preservation of the Urhobo cultural heritage.
In a passionate statement titled "When the Drums Go Dusty: Urhobo's Shameful Silence While Our Living Legends Languish," Greg lamented what he described as the longstanding culture of celebrating musicians only after their death, rather than supporting them during their lifetime.
According to him, music has always played a central role in preserving the history, language, traditions, and identity of the Urhobo people. He, however, expressed concern that many of the cultural icons who dedicated their lives to promoting the Urhobo heritage struggled with hardship and inadequate support.
Greg paid tribute to late Urhobo music legends, including Chief Dr. Okpan Orhibo (Iminiyo), Chief Sally Young, and Prof. Johnson Adjan (The Ogburine), describing them as cultural custodians whose contributions helped preserve the Urhobo language and traditions through music. He particularly recalled that Prof. Adjan reportedly died after battling illness while seeking financial assistance, describing the situation as a painful reflection of society's failure to honour its heroes.
He argued that while other ethnic groups actively invest in promoting and preserving their indigenous musicians, many Urhobo artistes continue to struggle due to limited patronage and inadequate access to musical equipment, with some reportedly hiring instruments for performances.
The cultural advocate also highlighted several contemporary Urhobo musicians who continue to promote the language and culture, including Okpan Junior Agbarho, Ase Adjan, Nathaniel Oruma, Expensive Lucky Okwe, Evang. Solo Kings, Solo Marvis, Madam Florence, Omote Udu, Korokoro, King Enakpodia, Dr. Mimi Raham, Theowaco Omoruvwie, Dynamic, Young Prof. I.D. Ubiri, Oviedje, and Sir Goddy. He urged individuals, corporate organisations, and government institutions to support their work through funding, sponsorship, and wider exposure.
Greg also acknowledged individuals and organisations that have consistently supported Urhobo musicians and cultural initiatives, including UPU London, UPU USA, UPU Warri, Urhobo Social Club, Chief Godwin Omote Agofure, High Chief Peter Osievu, Chief Abednego Agofure, Olorogun Samson Gordon (White Lion), Chief Tony Oboroh, Comrade Mamus Oseri of Omamus Hotel and Suites, Rev. Anthony Ogugu, Chief Fred Majemite, and Chief Roland Oseawhere.
He appealed to government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, religious organisations, and the wider Urhobo community to prioritise the preservation of the people's cultural heritage by investing in indigenous musicians before it is too late.
Greg stressed that supporting musicians should go beyond posthumous recognition, urging the Urhobo nation to celebrate, sustain, and empower its cultural ambassadors while they are alive.
He warned that preserving music is essential to preserving the identity and history of the Urhobo people, adding that immediate action is necessary to ensure future generations inherit a vibrant and thriving cultural legacy.
