Disregard extension of Okrikpa’s tenure — Odidi community urges

The Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has dismissed reports claiming that the tenure of its chairman, Prince Preye Okrikpa, has been extended.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the National President of the Niger Delta Youth Council and community stakeholder, Bene Mamamu, said no official gathering was held to approve such an extension.

Mamamu explained that the congress allegedly convened to extend Okrikpa’s tenure was largely boycotted by community members, leaders, and stakeholders and therefore lacked the legitimacy to make such a decision.

According to him, the tenure of Preye Okrikpa is due to expire on April 28, 2026, stressing that the outgoing executive does not possess the constitutional authority to extend its own tenure.

He further noted that several key stakeholders, including the eldest man, second and third eldest men, as well as other influential members of the community, were not present at the meeting where the alleged decision was said to have been taken.

Mamamu described the gathering as merely a routine meeting of the outgoing executive and not a congress empowered to take decisions on tenure extension.

“The outgoing executive only gathered for their normal meeting. They don't have the constitution right to extend tenure for themselves. Worst, the eldestman, second to fourth eldestman and key stakeholders were not present in the purported meeting,” the statement said.

While condemning what he described as a fabricated report about the tenure extension, he urged the public to disregard the claim and assured that the community would issue an official position after a stakeholders’ meeting. “The general public should disregard them. We will officially brief the public after a stakeholders' meeting,” the statement added.