Indigenes of Opete Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have dismissed reports of an alleged crisis in the community, describing them as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary tension among residents.
The indigenes, who spoke at a press briefing at the community town hall, said Opete had remained relatively peaceful since the conclusion of its recent election and the inauguration of a new executive on June 20.
They also passed a vote of no confidence in the Okpako Orere of Opete, Chief Sylva Savbede, over what they described as statements and actions capable of portraying the community in a negative light.
The position was presented by the President of Opete Community, Comrade Sunny Jivwie; Chairman of the Council of Elders, Chief Gordon Refo; and Secretary of the Council, Chief Louis Ogbe.
The leaders said they were surprised by reports suggesting that Opete was engulfed in a serious crisis, insisting that such claims did not represent the prevailing situation in the community.
They urged members of the public, government authorities and other stakeholders to verify information concerning Opete before acting on media reports, broadcasts or statements capable of escalating tensions.
According to them, the disagreement that generated the recent controversy had initially been brought before the Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, for intervention.
They said the parties involved were given an opportunity to present their respective positions, after which the council chairman made efforts to broker an amicable resolution.
The leaders explained that when one of the parties expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, the matter was subsequently taken to Asaba for further intervention by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor.
They stressed that the interventions by both the local and state authorities were aimed at preventing the disagreement from degenerating into a wider conflict.
The community therefore rejected narratives suggesting that the government had neglected the situation, saying the interventions demonstrated the commitment of the Delta State Government and Udu Local Government Council to peace and stability.
The leaders expressed particular concern over statements allegedly attributed to Chief Savbede, Barrister John Ishaka and Chief Jolly Ogbe, saying such statements could create a false impression that Opete was in crisis.
They consequently announced a vote of no confidence in the leadership conduct and approach to community affairs attributed to the individuals, insisting that community leaders should promote unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
They, however, called on all parties to sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue, stressing that personal disagreements should not be allowed to undermine the collective interest of the community.
The Youth President, Comrade Wisdom Otiri, who also spoke at the briefing alongside some women of the community, urged youths to remain calm and resist any attempt to use them to cause confrontation or disorder.
The community leaders also appealed to residents to continue their lawful activities without fear or intimidation, stressing that Opete remained committed to peace.
They commended the Udu Local Government Chairman, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, and Chief Edwin Uzor for their interventions, which they described as timely efforts to prevent the disagreement from escalating.
They equally commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for their developmental initiatives in Opete, particularly the construction of internal roads.
The indigenes urged the government and other relevant authorities to carefully scrutinise future claims concerning the community before taking any action, particularly where such claims may not reflect the situation on the ground.
They said what Opete needed at the moment was development, security, economic opportunities and a peaceful environment for its people and future generations.
The community further assured the Delta State Government, Udu Local Government Council, traditional institutions and other stakeholders of its readiness to support initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and promoting development.
Meanwhile, the indigenes expressed support for the All Progressives Congress ahead of the forthcoming general elections, assuring the party of what they described as the community’s strong backing.
The community leaders reiterated that Opete remained peaceful and united, urging all sons and daughters of the community to put the collective interest above personal differences.
They called on all stakeholders to allow peace, dialogue and truth to prevail, warning against actions or statements capable of reopening old wounds or creating fresh divisions within the community.
