FROM LIBERATOR TO STATESMAN: Barr. Bei-Ugha Kurumah Accepts APC Decision, Rallies Support for Chief Ebipate Kari
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
In what many political observers have described as a remarkable display of loyalty, statesmanship, and commitment to collective interest above personal ambition, prominent legal practitioner and frontline political figure, Barr. Bei-Ugha Kurumah, has formally accepted the decision of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the emergence of Chief Ebipate Kari as the party’s preferred candidate for the newly created Warri North Constituency II seat in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Speaking in an emotional and reflective statement titled “To Whom Much Is Expected, Much Is Given,” Barr. Kurumah recounted the long and difficult journey that culminated in the political liberation of the Ijaw people of Warri Federal Constituency from decades of what he described as political oppression and subjugation.
According to him, the emergence of Warri North Constituency II represents more than a political development; it is the realization of a historic struggle fought over several generations by determined patriots who refused to remain silent in the face of perceived injustice.
A Historic Victory Decades in the Making
Barr. Kurumah traced the roots of the struggle to years of political agitation aimed at addressing what many Ijaw communities considered an imbalance in electoral representation within the Warri Federal Constituency.
He noted that in 2011, a group of committed Ijaw leaders and activists took the bold step of instituting legal proceedings against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to challenge the ward and polling unit structure that had existed for decades.
According to him, the legal battle was championed by notable figures including Hon. George Ugulasuowei Timinimi, Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, Chief David Pere (of blessed memory), Barr. Bei-Ugha Kurumah, Arc. Sylvester Adowei, Comrade Julius Kenedabor, Hon. Lucky Oromoni, Mid-West E. Kukuru, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, and Emmanuel Igetei.
The case eventually progressed through the judicial hierarchy and culminated in a landmark Supreme Court judgment in 2022, paving the way for electoral adjustments and fresh delineation exercises within the Warri Federal Constituency.
Barr. Kurumah emphasized that the judgment and the subsequent implementation process created an opportunity for the Ijaw communities of Egbema, Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, and Diebiri Kingdoms to achieve a level of political representation many generations had only dreamed of.
Paying Tribute to the Architects of Liberation
While reflecting on the struggle, Kurumah paid glowing tribute to Hon. George Ugulasuowei Timinimi, whom he described as the visionary leader who conceived, nurtured, and financially supported the legal battle that eventually led to the breakthrough.
He equally acknowledged the sacrifices made by other members of the legal and political team, describing them as patriots whose names would forever be written in gold in the history of the Ijaw people.
According to him, the creation of Warri North Constituency II stands as a lasting monument to their commitment, courage, and determination to secure justice for their people.
Acceptance of Leadership Decision
Despite being widely regarded as one of the principal beneficiaries of the political liberation struggle, Barr. Kurumah revealed that the leadership of the APC and influential stakeholders within the Niger Delta had resolved that Chief Ebipate Kari should fly the party’s flag for the constituency in the 2027 elections.
Rather than challenge the decision, he announced his acceptance in good faith, stressing that loyalty to leadership remains one of the highest virtues in public service.
He specifically referenced the position of Niger Delta leader, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), whom he described as a leader who genuinely desires the progress and unity of Egbema Kingdom.
According to Kurumah, while the decision may not necessarily align with his personal aspirations, respecting it remains a moral obligation and a demonstration of political maturity.
He maintained that leadership requires sacrifice and that true commitment to a cause is measured not only by victory but also by one’s willingness to subordinate personal interest to collective goals.
“The First Fruit May Not Be Mine”
In one of the most poignant parts of his statement, Kurumah reflected on the irony of being one of the liberators of a cause without necessarily becoming the first beneficiary of its rewards.
He noted that while he may not be the immediate beneficiary of the political freedom secured through years of litigation and activism, he remains convinced that divine providence has a purpose for every sacrifice.
Drawing inspiration from faith and destiny, he stated that God alone understands why some individuals are chosen to open doors for others before eventually receiving their own rewards.
According to him, the opportunities created by the emergence of Warri North Constituency II are vast and enduring, and future generations will continue to benefit from the sacrifices made today.
Call for Unity and Support for Chief Ebipate Kari
Barr. Kurumah used the occasion to call on all stakeholders, APC members, political supporters, youth groups, women organizations, and traditional institutions within Egbema Kingdom and Warri North Constituency II to unite behind Chief Ebipate Kari.
He emphasized that internal divisions could undermine the historic gains already achieved and weaken the constituency’s chances of consolidating its newfound political relevance.
According to him, the election should not be viewed as a contest between individuals but as a collective opportunity for the people to strengthen their voice and representation within Delta State.
He therefore urged every supporter and political actor to set aside grievances, embrace reconciliation, and work toward securing victory for the APC in the forthcoming general election.
A Defining Moment for Egbema Kingdom
Political analysts have described Kurumah’s statement as one of the most significant political declarations to emerge from the constituency since the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment.
Many observers believe his decision to accept the party’s position and openly endorse Chief Ebipate Kari may contribute significantly to maintaining unity within the APC and strengthening the party’s electoral prospects.
As Warri North Constituency II prepares for its first opportunity to elect its own representative to the Delta State House of Assembly, Kurumah’s message serves as a reminder that historic victories are sustained not only by those who fight for them but also by those willing to preserve them through unity, sacrifice, and responsible leadership.
For many across Egbema Kingdom, the struggle for political recognition may have ended, but the responsibility of building on that victory has only just begun.
Source: Statement by Barr. Bei-Ugha Kurumah (LL.B, BL, LL.M), dated June 21, 2026.
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Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
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