Inside Delta
Delta govt intervenes, resolves community crisis
Written By: Paul Olayemi
22 Jan 2025 01:14 PM
UGHELLI, Delta – The Delta State Government has brokered peace in Okpare-Olomu Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, ending a lingering crisis fueled by leadership disputes and controversies over land sales.
The intervention, led by Dr. Edwin Uzor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, marked a significant step towards restoring stability in the community.
The crisis, which began in 2024, escalated during the community’s annual conference. Disagreements arose between the President General, Mr. Okiemute Utoka, and some elders, who objected to the conference coinciding with the burial of a prominent son of the community. Despite advice from the local government chairman to postpone the event for security reasons, the President General insisted on proceeding, leading to tensions and the involvement of soldiers.
In a peace meeting held at the Delta State Government Annex, rival factions convened with Dr. Uzor and his team, which included Executive Assistants to the Governor, Chief Benson Okorodudu, and Dr. Duncan Egwere and others. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Uzor urged all parties to embrace peace and uphold the values of the MORE agenda, championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“The welfare and safety of every Deltan is paramount to this administration. We have zero tolerance for crises that disrupt harmony and progress in our communities,” Dr. Uzor emphasized during his address.
A significant source of the conflict revolved around allegations of unauthorized land sales by individuals without the consent of rightful landowners or the community leadership. Dr. Uzor clarified the traditional structure of land ownership in Okpare-Olomu, stating that lands belong to families, quarters, or individuals, not the entire community.
“There have been reports that lands were sold without accountability. We advised today that going forward, all sales must involve the rightful owners and the authorized signatories, including the Otota (spokesperson) and the President General. Transparency is key to preventing mistrust,” Dr. Uzor explained.
The meeting also addressed attempts by certain groups to alter traditional leadership roles.
Dr. Uzor reaffirmed that the Otota’s position is a lifetime role, subject only to removal for misconduct or incapacity. He cautioned the President General against attempting to unilaterally amend the community’s constitution to alter this tenure.
“The President General’s role is to attract government projects and support community development. He must respect the elders’ council and refrain from interfering in matters beyond his executive powers,” Dr. Uzor advised.
Efforts to mend the strained relationship between the President General and the Otota were also highlighted. Dr. Uzor called on both leaders to prioritize collaboration and consultation with the Okpako Orere, the oldest male in the community who holds traditional oversight responsibilities.
“For peace to thrive, the President General and the Otota must work hand in hand. Their cooperation is essential for the progress and unity of Okpare-Olomu,” Dr. Uzor said, adding that all factions must respect traditional governance structures.
The Vice Chairman of the community, present at the meeting, acknowledged the need for improved communication and cooperation among leaders. He expressed optimism that the government’s intervention would foster unity and resolve lingering issues.
Dr. Uzor also warned against the use of external forces, such as soldiers, to enforce personal decisions, describing it as a breach of trust within the community. “Such actions only escalate tensions and must be avoided in the future,” he noted.
The Delta State Government’s intervention has been widely commended for addressing both immediate and underlying issues in the conflict. Stakeholders left the meeting with a renewed commitment to uphold peace and accountability in their dealings.
In conclusion, Dr. Uzor reiterated the government’s dedication to fostering peace across all communities in Delta State. “Our objective is to ensure that every Deltan lives in an environment of harmony and progress. We trust that the resolutions reached today will set a new tone for Okpare-Olomu,” he stated.
The intervention, led by Dr. Edwin Uzor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, marked a significant step towards restoring stability in the community.
The crisis, which began in 2024, escalated during the community’s annual conference. Disagreements arose between the President General, Mr. Okiemute Utoka, and some elders, who objected to the conference coinciding with the burial of a prominent son of the community. Despite advice from the local government chairman to postpone the event for security reasons, the President General insisted on proceeding, leading to tensions and the involvement of soldiers.
In a peace meeting held at the Delta State Government Annex, rival factions convened with Dr. Uzor and his team, which included Executive Assistants to the Governor, Chief Benson Okorodudu, and Dr. Duncan Egwere and others. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Uzor urged all parties to embrace peace and uphold the values of the MORE agenda, championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“The welfare and safety of every Deltan is paramount to this administration. We have zero tolerance for crises that disrupt harmony and progress in our communities,” Dr. Uzor emphasized during his address.
A significant source of the conflict revolved around allegations of unauthorized land sales by individuals without the consent of rightful landowners or the community leadership. Dr. Uzor clarified the traditional structure of land ownership in Okpare-Olomu, stating that lands belong to families, quarters, or individuals, not the entire community.
“There have been reports that lands were sold without accountability. We advised today that going forward, all sales must involve the rightful owners and the authorized signatories, including the Otota (spokesperson) and the President General. Transparency is key to preventing mistrust,” Dr. Uzor explained.
The meeting also addressed attempts by certain groups to alter traditional leadership roles.
Dr. Uzor reaffirmed that the Otota’s position is a lifetime role, subject only to removal for misconduct or incapacity. He cautioned the President General against attempting to unilaterally amend the community’s constitution to alter this tenure.
“The President General’s role is to attract government projects and support community development. He must respect the elders’ council and refrain from interfering in matters beyond his executive powers,” Dr. Uzor advised.
Efforts to mend the strained relationship between the President General and the Otota were also highlighted. Dr. Uzor called on both leaders to prioritize collaboration and consultation with the Okpako Orere, the oldest male in the community who holds traditional oversight responsibilities.
“For peace to thrive, the President General and the Otota must work hand in hand. Their cooperation is essential for the progress and unity of Okpare-Olomu,” Dr. Uzor said, adding that all factions must respect traditional governance structures.
The Vice Chairman of the community, present at the meeting, acknowledged the need for improved communication and cooperation among leaders. He expressed optimism that the government’s intervention would foster unity and resolve lingering issues.
Dr. Uzor also warned against the use of external forces, such as soldiers, to enforce personal decisions, describing it as a breach of trust within the community. “Such actions only escalate tensions and must be avoided in the future,” he noted.
The Delta State Government’s intervention has been widely commended for addressing both immediate and underlying issues in the conflict. Stakeholders left the meeting with a renewed commitment to uphold peace and accountability in their dealings.
In conclusion, Dr. Uzor reiterated the government’s dedication to fostering peace across all communities in Delta State. “Our objective is to ensure that every Deltan lives in an environment of harmony and progress. We trust that the resolutions reached today will set a new tone for Okpare-Olomu,” he stated.
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