The Felix Mujakperuo, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, has ordered an immediate suspension of the controversial amendment to the Sapele-Okpe Community constitution and the proposed creation of a fifth quarter, a development that had sparked tensions within the community.
The monarch, who also serves as Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, issued the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting held at his palace in Orerokpe, Delta State, according to sources present at the gathering.
The meeting was convened by the palace following rising disagreements over alleged unilateral constitutional changes by the Sapele-Okpe Community executive led by Chief Onoriode Temiagin.
A source at the meeting said the monarch ruled that the contentious actions be halted indefinitely.
“The purported amendment of the Sapele-Okpe Community constitution and the creation of a fifth quarter is hereby suspended indefinitely,” the monarch directed.
The royal intervention followed weeks of tension after community leaders on March 1 passed a vote of no confidence on Temiagin and his executive, accusing them of secretly amending the constitution to recognise Otonyasere as the fifth quarter of the community without adequate consultation.
The decision came after an aborted monthly community meeting held at Okpe Hall in Sapele, where members had gathered to deliberate on the issue.
Prominent figures present at that meeting included Dr. Kingsley Abeke, secretary of the Sapele-Okpe Community Land Trust Association; Ufuoma Atose; Ovo Abeke; Bright Abeke; Chief Tom Anirah; community youth president Obomine Ekariko; Chief G. Dafinone; and Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District and also chairs the Sapele-Okpe Community Land Trust Association.
Community members alleged that the constitutional amendment recognising Otonyasere as a fifth quarter could negatively affect the community’s legal and proprietary interests, particularly in matters relating to land administration.
Tensions escalated further on March 4 when hundreds of youths staged a peaceful protest in Sapele, marching through major streets and demanding a review of the community’s leadership.
The demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “We Don’t Have a Fifth Quarter,” “Temiagin Must Go,” and “This Is Sapele-Okpe Community, Not Temiagin Community.”
Speaking during the protest, youth leader Ovo Abeke said the demonstration was intended to draw attention to concerns over community governance.
“The decision was that he should no longer lead this community. His leadership has not been beneficial to the Sapele-Okpe people. He should step aside and allow peace to return,” he said, adding that the youths expected steps within 48 hours to address their concerns.
However, in his intervention, the Orodje also nullified the vote of no confidence passed against Temiagin and his executive, noting that the administration had only about four months left to complete its tenure.
The monarch urged both Senator Dafinone, in his capacity as chairman of the land trust association, and Chief Temiagin, the community chairman, to work together to resolve the dispute and restore harmony within the community.
The palace meeting brought together several prominent Sapele-Okpe leaders, including Okakuro Thompson Okpoko, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, Okakuro Moses Asini, Okakuro Joe Ogufere, Okakuro Godfrey Dafinone, Okakuro Tom Anirah, Okakuro Patrick Akamovba, Dr. Austin Arieja, Col. Moses Babuba Abeke (rtd), Hon. Godwin Atose, Chief Cyril Ogodo and Mr. Churchill Ayomanor.
The monarch’s intervention is widely expected to calm tensions and pave the way for dialogue among the contending parties.
Source: Palace sources and community stakeholders.
