By Michael Ilaya
One month after the protracted crisis that rocked the Miller Akpoili’s led OPU leadership, and later Lucky Ogoli as Acting President-General, Ozoro Progress Union, held its election yesterday, at the Opute Hall, Ozoro kingdom, to elect new officials of the Union.
The election which was held under the supervision of officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Asaba was amidst tight security. The statutory delegates congress convoked by the OPU Board of Trustees with attendance from the 59 branches across the country and in diaspora present.
Odio Berkley Eloviano Asiafa and Prince Egware Obaro emerged as President-General and Secretary General, respectively with the former beating his close rival, Akpoedafe Thomas who scored 153 votes with 7 votes.
Other elected officials include the Vice-Pressident, Inoje Emmanuel; Treasurer, Edemoye Sunday; Town Planning – Akwenuke Benson; Organizing Secretary – Isawhoze Jeneza while Godwin Egworefa, Faith Odere, Robinson Anakpoha, Othuke Umukoro, and David Ezeh were returned unopposed as Assistant Secretary, Financial Secretary, Internal Auditor, Public Relations Officer, and Legal Adviser respectively.
Reacting to his victory at the election, the PG elect, Asiafa told our reporter on the phone that “I am overwhelmed by the acceptance and jubilation that greeted my victory both at home and in the diaspora as it seems the desired change in the kingdom was overdue”, adding that he will deploy his wealth of experience and connections in administration of the affairs of the kingdom as he will not afford to fail the kingdom.
Earlier, interacting with the outing-going Acting President-General, Mr Lucky Ogoli, who said his emergence as Acting President-General was a child of circumstances, stating that “the EXCO led by me, Lucky Ogoli came into office on the 21st day of December 2023 after the court judgement which voided the election of High Chief Daniel Miller Akpoli.
He described his tenure as a short and tumultuous period of reign, characterised by a lack of funds to begin with, though rewarding, despite the prevalent chaotic and turbulent situation. He noted that the election was peaceful and transparent.
He craved for peace to reign to engender development in Ozoro kingdom, saying: “I wish to appeal that the issue of litigation which some persons have regarded as ‘sweet potato’ being eaten should be seriously addressed by the kingdom.
In his statement, Mr Friday Ekpo, an official from the Ministry of Women Affairs said “Despite the initial hitches, the election is perfect”.
