The people of Okpare Olomu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have dismissed reports of a crisis in the community, declaring their commitment to peace, unity, and adherence to the community’s constitution.
The clarification was made on Wednesday as indigenes and representatives of various organs of the community gathered to demonstrate their support for ongoing peace initiatives and a recent consensus reached through the intervention of the immediate past President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Olorogun Moses Taiga.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for community leaders and indigenes to reaffirm their support for the preservation of peace and the constitutional framework governing the affairs of Okpare Olomu.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the President General of Okpare Olomu, Mr. Nath Ebire, said there was no crisis in the community, attributing reports to attempts by some individuals to create unnecessary tension.
Ebire said the major concern of the community was the strict observance of its constitution, particularly provisions relating to the offices of the Otota, Assistant Otota and Chairman of the youth body.
“There is no crisis in Okpare Olomu. What we want is peace and the upholding of our constitution. We appeal to everyone to remain calm and support efforts aimed at maintaining unity in the community,” he said.
He also affirmed Olorogun Moses Orokpo as the recognised Otota of Okpare Olomu, urging members of the community to respect the existing leadership structure and avoid actions capable of disrupting the prevailing peace.
The spokeswoman of the Eghweya of Okpare Olomu community, Mrs Margaret Ejedafe, said all segments of the community were united in their support for Orokpo as Otota.
Ejedafe called on members of the community to remain committed to peace, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue and within the framework of the community’s established institutions.
Also speaking, Comrade Okiemute Otoka appealed to community leaders and stakeholders to accept the consensus reached on maintaining the existing constitutional arrangement pending any formal review of the constitution.
Otoka said the decision would help prevent unnecessary disputes and preserve the unity of the community.
“The constitution is the foundation of our community. Until it is reviewed through the appropriate process, everyone should respect its provisions and work together to preserve peace,” he said.
He further urged the people of Okpare Olomu to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the community should use its unity to pursue its collective political interests.
Another indigene appealed to all stakeholders to support the peace process and listen to the voice of reason, stressing that the interests of the entire community should take precedence over individual differences.
Olorogun Moses Orokpo, who was described by the community as the Otota, also appealed for calm and continued support for efforts to preserve peace and unity in Okpare Olomu.
The Chairman of the community’s youth body, Comrade Joel Ekoh, similarly urged youths and other stakeholders to avoid actions or statements capable of heightening tension.
The community had earlier commended Olorogun Moses Taiga for his intervention and efforts to consolidate peace among the people.
The various speakers expressed optimism that the prevailing peace in Okpare Olomu would be sustained, urging community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to continue to pursue dialogue, constitutional order and peaceful coexistence.
