Prominent youth leaders and stakeholders in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom have distanced themselves from a communiqué issued after a meeting convened by a dissident faction operating under the name Ogwashi-Uku Youth Development Association (OYDA), warning that the group’s actions could deepen divisions among youths, undermine community cohesion and create avoidable security concerns if left unchecked.
Speaking on behalf of concerned youth stakeholders, Comrade Ogborbuegwu Patrick Bawuzia described the meeting held on 4 July and the subsequent publication of its communiqué as unrepresentative of the collective position of Ogwashi-Uku youths.
He urged members of the public to treat the publication with caution, maintaining that it lacked the support of the recognised reconciliation process already underway within the kingdom.
According to Bawuzia, the gathering was convened by individuals whom he alleged no longer held valid mandates within the youth leadership structure.
He further claimed that some of those involved had ceased to occupy their respective offices and therefore lacked the authority to convene meetings or issue statements on behalf of the youth body.
He also questioned the legal and constitutional standing of the OYDA, alleging that the association was not the original umbrella organisation for Ogwashi-Uku youths.
According to him, the recognised youth platform was the Ogwashi-Uku Youth Leaders Forum (OYLF), whose members were duly registered and documented.
He further contended that longstanding concerns over the constitutional and administrative framework of the youth body were the reason the traditional institution facilitated a peace process on 29 March 2026 to establish a unified and legally recognised structure for future youth administration and elections.
Bawuzia alleged that the recent meeting disregarded the ongoing reconciliation efforts and the appeal for all parties to await the conclusion of consultations before embarking on activities capable of inflaming tensions.
He expressed concern that issuing public communiqués and making allegations during an active reconciliation process could mislead the public, encourage factionalism and unnecessarily heighten tensions within the kingdom.
According to him, “No responsible youth leadership should take actions capable of dividing our youths or creating an atmosphere that could threaten the peace and stability of our community. The priority should be unity, reconciliation and a credible electoral process acceptable to all.”
He further alleged that attempts to involve security agencies through what he described as misleading claims would not advance the interests of Ogwashi-Uku youths but would instead distract from genuine efforts aimed at resolving outstanding issues peacefully.
Bawuzia called on all youth leaders and stakeholders to reject divisive politics, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and support ongoing efforts to establish a transparent, inclusive and constitutionally recognised youth leadership structure.
He also commended the outgoing President-General, Comrade Chiedu Stanley, for maintaining what he described as a calm and peaceful disposition throughout the disagreements, despite criticism and provocation.
He concluded by urging all youths to place the long-term interests of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom above personal ambitions, stressing that lasting progress can only be achieved through dialogue, lawful conduct and respect for established institutions.
“The future of Ogwashi-Uku youths depends on unity, responsible leadership and adherence to due process. No individual or group should place personal interests above the peace, stability and collective progress of our kingdom,” he said.
