Abstract

This essay reviews the successes, failures and prospects of Urhobo traditional leadership. It begins with a brief history, as far back as possible, of Urhobo struggle for survival and the development of their lands in Nigeria‘s western Niger Delta. The historical account is followed by one of a citation of some of the accomplishments of the people many of which occurred from the 1920s through the 1950s during which Urhobo was pushed into prominence in response to a New World Order. The essay then moves on to trace the origins of the unfortunate decline of Urhobo fortunes that came with the rise of multi-party politics and the series of military interventions in Nigeria. The essay concludes with a call for the way forward to include strategies for reversing the decline of Urhobo fortunes, and ushering in an environment that is conducive for peace and development of Urhobo land.