Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has explained the reasons behind the enforcement action against a property linked to the organiser of Saturday’s New Democratic Congress (NDC) rally in the area, insisting that the action was based on alleged regulatory violations and not the political activities of the property owner.
The clarification followed a Facebook post by one Fejiro Oliver, who had appealed to Egbo not to demolish the property of Tobore Agbah, whom he identified as the convener of the NDC’s 10,000-man rally in Ughelli.
Oliver, in the post, expressed concern over reports that the property had been marked for demolition following the successful rally, and appealed to Egbo to reconsider the action based on their longstanding friendship.
He also alleged that the council chairman had instructed his men to deal with a branded vehicle associated with the NDC.
But Egbo, in response, dismissed the suggestion that the enforcement was politically motivated, explaining that the property had allegedly been constructed under a high-tension electricity line.
According to him, officials had written to the owner several times over the alleged violation of environmental regulations, but the directives were not complied with.
Egbo said the council had undertaken more than 30 demolitions since he assumed office, involving structures allegedly obstructing waterways and buildings constructed under high-tension electricity lines.
He maintained that the enforcement of regulations should apply irrespective of political affiliation.
“Being in opposition does not make you above the law,” Egbo said, challenging the owner of the affected property to produce the necessary approval for the structure.
The council chairman also explained the issue surrounding the branded vehicle, saying it was branded for mobile advertising without payment of the prescribed advertising fee.
Egbo, who said he is the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Delta State Signage and Advertising Agency (DESSAA), maintained that operators are expected to comply with the applicable advertising requirements.
He warned that the law would take its course if the owner failed to produce approval for the structure or pay the prescribed advertising fees.
“If he fails to bring the approval for the illegal structure or fails to pay the prescribed fees, the law will take its course, and heaven will not fall,” he said.
Oliver, however, had urged Egbo to separate politics from their personal relationship, arguing that friendship and brotherhood should not be sacrificed because of political differences.
He specifically appealed to the council chairman to reverse any sealing of the property and direct those allegedly involved in the action to stay away from the branded vehicle.
The controversy followed Saturday’s NDC rally in Ughelli North, which drew significant attention in the local political space.
While Oliver linked the reported enforcement action to the political activities surrounding the rally, Egbo has maintained that the issue is one of regulatory compliance, particularly the alleged construction of the structure under a high-tension line and the payment of prescribed advertising fees.
The council chairman’s position is that compliance with environmental, building and advertising regulations should apply regardless of the political identity or affiliation of those involved.
