The journey by the people of Ugborhen community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State to have a newly elected leadership to pilot the affairs of the community began on December 5, 2020, when they gathered at the community town hall and overwhelmingly voted, Dr Nelson Ukoko as their new president.
Though Dr Ukoko and his eleven-man executive were sworn-in into office immediately after the election, their inauguration could not hold because of a dispute that arose.
After some few weeks, the dispute was finally resolved at the palace of the Orodje of Okpe, Orhue The First, which paved the way for a smooth hand over on Saturday, January 23, 2021.
It was a resounding standing ovation and loud sounds of excitement by the Ugborhen people as the chairman of the immediate past Caretaker Committee, Mr Philip Mebradu handed the reins of power to Dr Nelson Ukoko as the new president of the community.
Speaking, Mebradu enjoined Ukoko to embrace all Ugborhen indigenes in his administration and feel free to consult him for the overall good of the community.
“Until you have succeeded, I have not succeeded.
“The same God who preserved me and my team is very much more able to preserve you and your team,” Mebradu assured Ukoko.
In his acceptance speech, Ukoko pledged to pursue an all-inclusive administration that would engender the needed development in the community.
He explained that the broad-based government he will run would usher in a change from the old ways of doing things in the community.
Ukoko commended the outgone Caretaker Committee led by Mr Philip Mebradu for laying a very solid formation for the community.
Two major achievements of the Mebradu led Committee which came on board on April 29, 2020, was the review of the Ugborhen constitution and the putting up of a voters’ register.
The voters’ register has a database and electronic voters’ card which will also serve as an identity card for Ugborhen sons and daughters.
