Sapele, Delta State —
A prominent Itsekiri traditional leader, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has issued a public statement clarifying the Itsekiri position on land ownership in Sapele following an announcement by the Orodje of Okpe regarding a proposed foundation-laying ceremony for a Sub-Palace in the town.
Chief Uduaghan, who is the Alema of Warri Kingdom and administrator of several Itsekiri communities within Sapele, said his statement became necessary after a public invitation circulated on 22 January 2026 via the Orodje of Okpe’s social media platform.
According to him, Sapele is historically a multi-ethnic town and should not be regarded as the exclusive settlement of any one group. He stated that, from the Itsekiri historical perspective, Sapele has long been considered part of Itsekiri ancestral territory.
In support of his position, Chief Uduaghan referenced historical colonial-era documentation, including the Intelligence Report on the Okpe-Sobo Clan compiled in 1930 by L. E. A. Fellows. He noted that the report identified notable Okpe settlements as Amukpe, Elume, Orerokpe, and Cbukurusu, among others, and did not list Sapele as an Okpe village.
The Itsekiri leader also cited judicial decisions that have addressed land ownership in the area. He explained that in Chief Ayomano v. Ginuwa I (JELR 81222, WACA), the court did not grant ownership of the entire town of Sapele to the Okpe people.
Rather, he said the judgment is understood to have awarded approximately 510 acres of land to the Okpe community, an area whose boundaries are said to be well known.
Chief Uduaghan expressed the view that any traditional, cultural, or developmental activities undertaken by the Okpe Kingdom in Sapele should be conducted within the scope of land granted under that court judgment. He further expressed hope that the proposed foundation-laying ceremony for the Sub-Palace would fall within the legally recognized area.
He emphasized that his statement was issued in the interest of public awareness, historical accuracy, and peaceful coexistence among communities in Sapele, adding that any concerns arising from land-related developments should be addressed through lawful and peaceful means.
