Udu Council Chairman Olorogun Oyibode Resolves 5-Month Internal Crisis In Opete Community

In a historic move on September 17, 2024, the Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun (Hon.) Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, JP FCIA, successfully brokered peace in Opete Community, Udu LGA, Delta State, following a five-month internal conflict.

Addressing the community during the peace settlement held at the Udu Local Government Council Secretariat, Otor-Udu, Olorogun Oyibode expressed his commitment to ending the crisis, stating that development cannot flourish in an environment filled with rancor. He emphasized that, constitutionally, no one has the right to ostracize others from their community, stressing the importance of unity for progress.

Upon noticing the seating arrangement at the meeting, with the community’s executives and opinion leaders sitting according to their factions, the Chairman reshuffled the seating to promote unity and love among them. He reaffirmed his dedication to being a unifier, a slogan he championed during his campaign. “In resolving communal issues, he stated that he will always speak the truth, irrespective of whose ox is gored”.

After hours of deliberation, both factions in Opete Community agreed to work together in unity  to move the community forward. As part of the resolution, the Chairman inaugurated a 5-member Constitutional Amendment Committee led by Barrister Austin Magba to review Opete Community’s constitution, particularly focusing on financial transparency. It was agreed that all major community decisions, such as land sales, must involve the Community’s various organs. Anyone found conspiring to sell community land without the knowledge of all relevant organs will face punishment.

In a remarkable gesture, the current President of Opete Community, Mr. Jones Ovueke, and his Predecessor, Comr. Ishaka Oscar, publicly apologized to the community for any actions or inactions that may have contributed to the crisis. The eldest man in Opete, in a show of gratitude, promised to host a party this coming Saturday at the Opete Community Hall to celebrate the peaceful resolution. He also praised Oyibode for his leadership and prayed for his longevity.

Key figures present at the meeting included: Hon. Andrew Gbise, SLG Udu LGC; Hon. Engr. Ukonhon Ogheneochuko Potential, Councillor representing Opete & Okpaka Communities at the Udu Legislative Arm; Evang. Andrew Dokie, Supervisor for Works; Hon. Freeborn Shalokpe, Supervisor for Environment; Comrade Omoko Vincent, Supervisor for Finance; Mr. Opuama Emmanuel Obruche, Supervisor for Youths, Sports, Community & Women Affairs; Hon. Emmanuel Ogolo, Special Adviser to Udu Council's Chairman, Mrs. Ajuwa, among others.

This settlement rep3resents a major step towards restoring peace and fostering development in Opete Community, with hopes of a unified future.