By Sunday Apah
The Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, has been called upon to prevail on the Caretaker Committee of Owhase Community, led by Chief Johnbull Phophen, to conduct a free, fair, and credible election to prevent potential conflicts within the community.
In a letter signed by Austin Egoruomare Nyekigbe, Esq, the legal representative of Mr. Peter Victor Efegbere, and addressed to the council Chairman, it was emphasized that holding a transparent election is crucial to maintaining peace and order.
The letter highlighted concerns about alleged attempts by the Chief Johnbull Phophen-led caretaker committee to delay the election and install his rival, Mr. David Elohor Efegbere, in violation of the community’s constitution.
The correspondence stated, “It is imperative that the tenure of Mr. John Adunu as the President-General of Owhase Community ended on the 6th of January, 2024. Following this, a 5-Man Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Johnbull Phophen, was appointed by the Owhase Community to oversee the community’s affairs and organize elections for leadership positions within a two-month period.
“In March 2024, the tenure of the Caretaker Committee was extended until the 16th of June, 2024. Additionally, in January 2024, leadership positions were allocated to various streets and families within the community, with the roles of President-General and Assistant Financial Secretary being assigned to the Efegbere sub-family of the larger Omarayearue family.
“Our client is a member of the Efegbere subfamily of the larger Omarayearue family in Owhase Community, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State. Due to this connection, two sons of the Efegbere subfamily, Mr. Peter Victor Efegbere (our client) and Mr. David Elohor Efegbere, expressed interest in contesting for the position of President-General of Owhase Community.
“The duo purchased nomination forms, underwent screening, and received clearance. They were then informed by the Elders’ Council of Owhase Community that the election date would be communicated to them.
“However, our client was not given a specific election date. As a result, the leadership dispute caused unrest in the community, prompting a report to the Nigeria Police Station, Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Headquarters. This action aimed to prevent a breakdown of law and order and ensure peace, justice, and equity when the Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Johnbull Phophen, failed to conduct a smooth, transparent, and credible election for the position of President-General.
“As a result of these events, in July 2024, the Divisional Police Officer of the Nigeria Police Station, Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Headquarters, instructed the Caretaker Committee to organize a fair and credible election for the parties within thirty (30) days. Despite this directive, the Caretaker Committee has yet to conduct the election.
“To date, no election has taken place, and no candidate has been elected as the President-General of Owhase Community.
“We have received reliable information that the Caretaker Committee, headed by Chief Johnbull Phophen at the behest of Mr. David Elohor Efegbere, has finalized plans to install Mr. David Elohor Efegbere as the President-General of Owhase Community without holding an election, going against the wishes of the people and the clear provisions of the Community’s Constitution.
“Our client has informed us that, in pursuit of their dubious goals, Mr. David Elohor Efegbere led a group of armed individuals to various Elders and members of the Owhase Community, pressuring and intimidating them into swearing him in as the President-General. These individuals have been causing chaos in the community.
“Our client and their supporters feel wronged, and if the leadership dispute is not resolved properly, it may escalate into lawlessness, hostility, violence, and loss of life and property in Owhase Community.
“In light of the above, we urge you to intervene in this matter and instruct the Caretaker Committee led by Chief Johnbull Phophen to organize a transparent, fair, and credible election between the involved parties to prevent further unrest, violence, bloodshed, and loss of life and property in Owhase Community and Udu Kingdom at large.”
