By Jesse Ese
National News – A leadership dispute in Otu-Ughievwen Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, has escalated into a crisis that community stakeholders fear could threaten peace and security if urgent intervention is not made by the state government.
At the heart of the controversy is the recent election into the Otu-Ughievwen Community Development Committee (CDC), an exercise that many residents expected would strengthen grassroots governance but has instead become a source of division.
According to members of the Ughievwen Peace and Development Forum, the election produced Engr. Augustine Garri as winner after polling 10 votes, ahead of Mr. Ogedegbe Bekederemor, who secured six votes, while Mr. Udorume Sunday received two votes.
Following the election, Engr. Garri was sworn in by the community as President of the Community during a ceremony attended by elders, youths and women, who described the exercise as a reflection of the people’s democratic choice.
Engr. Augustine Garri
However, what should have marked the beginning of a new administration has instead triggered a bitter dispute.
The Ughievwen Peace and Development Forum alleged that a group led by Dr. Adogbeji Ideh rejected the election outcome and has been working to undermine the mandate freely given to Engr. Garri.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Ughievwen Peace and Development Forum, Mr. John Ariemure, and the Secretary, Comrade Francis Emuejevoke Uvo.
The group further alleged that the situation has been aggravated by violent attacks carried out by armed youths allegedly hired by Adogbeji, resulting in injuries and heightened tension within the community.
The forum also accused the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua, of issuing a Certificate of Participation to Mr. Ogedegbe Bekederemor despite his defeat in the election.
According to the forum, ministry officials did not monitor the election, making the subsequent issuance of the certificate a decision that has deepened mistrust and fueled the crisis. The commissioner has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Community leaders argue that the controversy is no longer about who won an election but about protecting democratic principles, preserving public confidence in community institutions and preventing a breakdown of law and order.
They warned that if the dispute is allowed to fester, it could degenerate into a prolonged communal conflict capable of disrupting social harmony and economic activities in Otu-Ughievwen, regarded as the ancestral home of the Ughievwen Kingdom.
To restore peace, the Ughievwen Peace and Development Forum appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene by directing all parties to respect due process and by ensuring an impartial review of the circumstances surrounding the election.
The forum also called on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute anyone responsible for acts of violence, irrespective of status or political affiliation.
In addition, it urged the Delta State Government to establish an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the events that led to the present crisis, determine the facts and recommend measures capable of restoring lasting peace.
The stakeholders maintained that prompt government action would not only protect lives and property but also reinforce public confidence in democratic processes at the community level.
As tensions continue to rise, many residents believe that swift and impartial intervention by the state government remains the surest path to preventing the dispute from escalating further.
Below is the full statement
“Recall that Otu-Ughievwen Community Development Committee recently conducted election with Engr. Augustine Garri emerging WINNER (10 VOTES) against his two opponents; Mr. Ogedegbe Bekederemor – 6 votes & Mr. Udorume Sunday – 2 votes.”
“Sadly, a certain GREEDY CABAL operating in the community led by Dr. Adogbeji Ideh has hired armed miscreants to deliberately orchestrate disputes by attacking the winner of the election, Engr Augustine Garri and his people.”
“How could a man of such turn to be anti-people and democratic agent to the extent he champions the devilish moves against the will of the community youths, women and elders by conniving with Hon. Pat Ajudua, Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community & Social Development, to issue Certificate of Participation to Mr. Ogedegbe Bekederemor (Aziza), who lost by polling only six (6) votes to Engr Garri who won with 10 votes.”
“Pertinent to note that the community has sworn in its rightfully and duly elected Chairman, Engr. Garri, as the President of the Community in a joyous atmosphere at the Community Hall.”
“Sadly, Hon. Ajudua, who deliberately refused to deploy her staff to monitor the election, issued a certificate to a man (Mr. Ogedegbe Bekederemor) rejected by the community. This development has thrown the entire community into DISPUTE with several CASUALTIES.”
OUR PRAYER
1. We appeal to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to call Hon. Pat Ajudua, Dr. Adogbeji Ideh, and others involved in these UNHOLY acts to order in the interest of peace, safety and security of Otu-Ughievwen Community, the ancestral home of Ughievwen Kingdom.
2. We urge the security agencies to urgently arrest and prosecute all those involved in the current attack on innocent people of Otu-Ughievwen in order to prevent further ESCALATION of the communal crisis.
3. We urge the Delta State Government to urgently constitute a panel of inquiry to investigate the events leading to the current UNSAFE state of the community, as a STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE!
We look forward to the decisive action by all relevant stakeholders while commending the Ughelli Council Chairman for his proactive step thus far.
Efforts to reach Dr. Adogbeji, Hon. Pat Ajudua, Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community & Social Development, and Mr. Ogedegbe Bekederemor for responses proved abortive.
