The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has brokered a peace meeting aimed at resolving lingering disputes over the Osueghweya (Women Leader) and Odion Rode traditional institutions in Evwreni Kingdom, urging all parties to embrace peace and respect established customs and the rule of law.
The meeting, held at the conference room of the Ughelli North Local Government Council on July 30, 2026, brought together 46 stakeholders from across the kingdom to address the contentious issues that have generated tension within the community.
The President-General of Evwreni Kingdom, Chief Kenneth Ukpebitere, informed the gathering that Olorogun O’tega Emerhor and Barr. Samuel Mariere were unavoidably absent and conveyed their apologies.
He also presented a letter from Olorogun Emerhor to the council chairman.
Chairing the session, Olorogun Egbo requested clarification on the status of the Osueghweya and the reasons behind attempts to remove the current holder of the traditional office.
Following presentations by the opposing parties, the meeting agreed that the office of the Osueghweya serves the entire Evwreni Kingdom and is traditionally zoned to Okpawha Community.
Participants further maintained that, by custom, the office is held for life, with a successor only appointed upon the demise of the incumbent.
The stakeholders also resolved that Okpawha Community cannot unilaterally appoint a new Osueghweya without consultation with the Ovie (King) of Evwreni Kingdom and the President-General.
Although participants acknowledged that there are no written documents establishing the zoning arrangement, they noted that the practice has been sustained through traditional and customary administration over the years.
The meeting further stressed that if any community seeks the removal of a serving Osueghweya, it must first submit a formal petition detailing alleged misconduct to the Ovie and the President-General, while copying the Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government and the Divisional Police Officer of A Division, Ughelli, before taking any action capable of causing unrest.
The gathering also deliberated extensively on the dispute surrounding the Odion Rode of Evwreni Kingdom, describing it as another issue capable of threatening peace if not properly managed.
After hearing submissions from the parties involved, participants stated that the title of Odion Rode of Evwreni Kingdom traditionally originates from Unenurhie Community, while Okpawha Community is responsible for producing the Odion Esiri of Evwreni Kingdom.
The meeting further noted the existence of a court judgment delivered in 2000, which recognised Unenurhie Community as the authentic source of the Odion Rode title. According to the deliberations, no appeal or subsequent court judgment has overturned that decision.
Based on the discussions, the stakeholders maintained that High Chief James Amuke, from Unenurhie Community, remains the recognised holder of the Odion Rode title in line with the subsisting court judgment.
The meeting also called on Major John Ovwufeti (Rtd.) to discontinue referring to himself as “His Highness” and Odion Rode of Evwreni Kingdom, warning that doing otherwise could amount to contempt of the existing court judgment.
In his closing remarks, Olorogun Egbo urged all parties to put aside their differences, coexist peacefully and work collectively for the development of Evwreni Kingdom.
The peace meeting ended at about 11:15 a.m. with a closing prayer, as participants dispersed peacefully after the chairman’s appeal for unity and harmony.
