By Bina Susan | National News
For every community blessed with abundant natural resources, the greatest challenge is often not the availability of wealth but how that wealth is managed.
In Otu-Ughievwen Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, a growing chorus of voices says the time has come to put the community’s interests above personal ambitions.
The latest concerns have been raised by the Ughievwen Elites for Peace and Development (UEPD), a socio-cultural group that says Otu-Ughievwen is at a critical crossroads. According to the organisation, the community must decide whether to embrace accountable leadership or continue along a path it claims has been marked by prolonged disputes, alleged mismanagement of resources and the concentration of influence in the hands of a few individuals.
At the centre of the controversy is the June 3, 2026 community leadership election, which saw Engr. Augustine Garri emerge as Chairman.
UEPD, through its President, Mr. Okor Marvel Ufuomaefe, and secretary, Mr. Richard Akporekugbe, maintains that despite the fact that the election was conducted peacefully, accepted by all and followed by the swearing-in of the new executive by the Elders’ Council (Edion), led by the Okpako-Orere, the community’s traditional eldest man, some evil elements have vowed to disregard the will of the people which was expressed during the CDC election.
Despite this transition, the group alleges that efforts are being made to undermine the new leadership. It specifically accused Dr. Adogbeji Ideh and his brother, Col. Morrison Ideh (Rtd), of sponsoring opposition to the elected executive in order to retain influence over community affairs. The two men have not publicly responded to the allegations.
UEPD also questioned what it described as the long-standing dominance of strategic community institutions by the brothers. According to the group, Dr. Ideh occupies a leadership role within the PGMoU structure in Otor-Ughievwen, while Col. Morrison Ideh serves as Chairman of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Management Committee.
Beyond leadership politics, the organisation argues that the real issue is community development. It alleged that key projects expected to improve the quality of life in Otu-Ughievwen have either not been completed as planned or failed to deliver their intended benefits.
Among the projects cited are the construction of an internal road and a proposed gas turbine power project designed to provide electricity to Otor-Ughievwen, Otor-Udu, Iwhrekan and neighbouring communities.
UEPD alleged that instead of the expected 10MW or 5MW gas turbine, only two 500KVA gas generators were installed, raising questions about project execution and value for money.
The organisation believes these claims warrant a thorough investigation by relevant authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to determine whether community resources were properly managed and whether any wrongdoing occurred.
UEPD further claimed that multiple court actions were being pursued by Adogbeji and his brother, Morrison, to create the impression of a leadership crisis, thereby prolonging interim arrangements that could allow continued control over community affairs and financial approvals. The group views this as a setback to democratic governance within the community.
In their very words, “The Ughievwen Elites for Peace and Development (UEPD) is concerned about deliberate attempts to further plunder the community’s resources/funds by the two siblings; Dr. Adogbeji Ideh and Col. Morrison Ideh (Rtd) by secretly sponsoring mercenaries to oppose the generally accepted and elected Chairman and Executive members in disguise to the detriment of the community’s interest.”
“The duo have masterminded plots to institute irrelevant court cases to dramatically create the impression that there is an existing leadership crisis in order for them and their greedy, selfish cabal to continuously project an unjust idea of interim leadership for them to have several relavant documents signed to siphon the community’s funds met for developmental projects.”
“Let everyone with the intention of causing communal unrest in any guise be warned that they would be resisted and decisively delt with through every legal means available to us,” they said.
For many observers, the issues raised go beyond personalities. They reflect broader concerns about transparency, accountability and the management of oil-related benefits in host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act. As communities increasingly seek to maximise development opportunities, questions surrounding governance and resource management have become central to sustainable progress.
In its appeal, UEPD called on security agencies, anti-graft institutions and all relevant stakeholders to intervene in the interest of justice, transparency and lasting peace.
The group also urged residents to support lawful leadership and resist actions capable of creating division or instability.
Whether the allegations will lead to official investigations remains to be seen. However, the controversy has once again brought into focus the importance of accountable leadership, responsible resource management and community unity in ensuring that development benefits every resident rather than a privileged few.
