The President General (PG) of Uwheru Kingdom, Chief MacPherson Igbedi, has been suspended indefinitely by the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, following allegations of mismanagement and escalating tension within the community.
The suspension, contained in an official memo with reference number UNLG/CHAIR/SEC/0725/09, was signed by the Council Chairman and made available to the press on Tuesday.
According to the memo, Chief Igbedi was accused of failing to promote transparency and inclusiveness in allocating job slots linked to the ongoing rehabilitation of the Orhivbirhi Bridge— a key infrastructural project being executed by Setraco Nigeria Limited.
The Council stated that the decision was reached after “careful consideration and consultations with relevant stakeholders,” and was intended to “restore public confidence, address prevailing unrest, and ensure a comprehensive review of the PG’s handling of community matters.”
While stressing that the action is not punitive, the Council emphasised that it was a necessary step to safeguard the collective interest of the Uwheru people and to ensure fairness in the distribution of opportunities stemming from government-led development efforts.
An excerpt from the suspension memo reads:
“Following the recent security challenges and heightened tension within Uwheru Kingdom, alongside growing allegations from the youths regarding your inability to demonstrate transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness in the allocation of job slots on the ongoing rehabilitation work at the Orhivbirhi Bridge, being handled by Setraco Nigeria Limited…
“After careful consideration, consultations with relevant stakeholders, and by the responsibilities vested in the office of the Local Government Chairman to ensure peace, order, and good governance within the Local Government, you are hereby suspended from your position as President General of Uwheru Kingdom with immediate effect.”
The Council in the memo directed Chief Igbedi to hand over all official responsibilities, documents, and properties to the most senior officer within the Uwheru Kingdom leadership structure, pending further directives.
The Council assured the public of its continued commitment to peace, transparency, and inclusive governance, particularly as it relates to opportunities generated through development projects.
“This decision, though difficult, is aimed solely at safeguarding the collective interest of the Uwheru people and ensuring that all opportunities, especially those connected to developmental projects like the Orhivbirhi Bridge rehabilitation, are handled transparently, fairly, and in a manner that promotes peace and unity,” the memo concluded.
Copies of the suspension notice were forwarded to several key institutions and officials, including: Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social and Community Development, Management of Heritage Energy Services, Management of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Area Commander, Ughelli Police Area Command, Divisional Police Officer, Ughelli Division and His Royal Majesty, the Odion R’Ode of Ughelli Kingdom.
