Indigenes of Opete Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have rejected reports suggesting that the community is engulfed in crisis, insisting that relative peace has prevailed since the conclusion of the recent community election and inauguration of a new executive.
The position was contained in a statement endorsed by the people, the Council of Elders, women, men, and youths of the community, and reinforced during a press briefing at the Opete Community Town Hall.
The community leaders also passed a vote of no confidence in the Okpako Orere of Opete Community, Chief Sylva Savbede, as well as Chief Jolly Ogbe, Barrister John Ishaka, and others whom they accused of making statements capable of creating tension and portraying the community in a negative light.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Elders, women and youths, President of Opete Community, Comrade Sunny Jivwie; Chairman of the Council of Elders, Chief Gordon Refo; and Secretary, Chief Louis Ogbe, said they were surprised by reports portraying Opete as being embroiled in a serious crisis.
Jivwie said the reports did not reflect the situation on the ground, stressing that the community had remained relatively peaceful since the new executive was inaugurated on June 20.
According to him, “Opete Community remains peaceful,” adding that the people were committed to resolving differences through dialogue, consultation and the intervention of constituted authorities.
The community leaders said the dispute that prompted recent interventions was initially taken before the Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, for mediation.
They explained that both sides were given the opportunity to present their positions and that efforts were made to reach an amicable resolution.
However, following dissatisfaction with the outcome, the matter was subsequently taken to Asaba for further intervention by the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor.
The community said the interventions by the Udu Local Government Council and the Delta State Government should not be presented as evidence that the authorities had abandoned Opete.
Rather, the leaders commended Oyibode and Uzor for their interventions, saying their involvement was aimed at preventing disagreements from escalating into a wider confrontation.
Chief Refo said the people were particularly concerned about statements attributed to Savbede, Ishaka and Ogbe, which he said could create an impression that the entire community was in turmoil.
He urged the public and government authorities to verify claims concerning Opete before acting on them.
“We appeal to the general public and the authorities to verify every claim before accepting any broadcast or statement concerning Opete Community,” he said.
Chief Ogbe said the community was concerned that statements attributed to some individuals could create the impression that Opete was in turmoil, stressing that the situation on the ground was different.
“Let peace prevail over personal interests. Let dialogue prevail over confrontation. Let truth prevail over misinformation,” he said.
The leaders also appealed to stakeholders to desist from mobilising groups or individuals in ways that could generate confrontation or unrest, stressing that genuine grievances should be channelled through established authorities.
They further urged youths of the community not to allow themselves to be used to cause disorder, while calling on residents to continue their lawful activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The Youth President of Opete Community, Comrade Wisdom Otiri, who spoke alongside some women of the community, also dismissed the reports of widespread crisis.
Otiri appealed to the youths to remain calm and resist any attempt to draw them into actions capable of disturbing the peace of the community.
The community leaders said their vote of no confidence in the leadership conduct attributed to Savbede and the other individuals named was based on what they described as an approach to community affairs that was inconsistent with the responsibilities expected of community leaders.
They nevertheless called on all parties to embrace reconciliation and dialogue, saying Opete needed development, unity, security and economic opportunities rather than renewed internal divisions.
“Let peace prevail over personal interests. Let dialogue prevail over confrontation. Let truth prevail over misinformation,” the community stated.
The indigenes also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for what they described as efforts to maintain peace across the state.
They particularly cited ongoing development projects in Opete, including the construction of internal roads, which they said would improve movement and contribute to the community’s development.
The community further expressed support for the All Progressives Congress ahead of the forthcoming general elections, assuring the party of what its leaders described as strong support from Opete.
The community leaders appealed to the Delta State Government, Udu Local Government Council, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to continue supporting peaceful dialogue and to carefully verify future representations concerning Opete.
They said the ultimate interest of the community was to preserve its unity and ensure that disagreements among individuals did not undermine the collective peace and development of its people.
“Opete is peaceful. Opete is united. Opete belongs to all of us. Let peace continue to reign,” the community declared.
