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Members of Sapele Okpe Community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State have passed a vote of no confidence in the executive committee led by Chief Onoriode Temiagin, over allegations of secretly amending the community’s constitution and unilaterally creating a fifth quarter without broad consultation.
The decision followed an aborted monthly community meeting held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Okpe Hall, where rising tensions over the alleged actions forced a halt to proceedings.
Community members who had gathered later deliberated on the issues and resolved to take a decisive stand.
After extensive discussions, those present unanimously adopted a vote of no confidence in the Temiagin-led executive, citing concerns over transparency, inclusiveness, and the protection of the community’s collective interest.
Prominent leaders at the gathering included Dr. Kingsley Abeke, Secretary of Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association; Ufuoma Atose; Ovo Abeke; Bright Abeke; Chief Tom Anirah; the Sapele Okpe Community Youth President, Obomine Ekariko; Chief G. Dafinone; and the Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, who also serves as Chairman of the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association.
The crisis reportedly stemmed from allegations that the executive amended the community’s constitution to recognise Otonyasere as the fifth quarter of Sapele Okpe without due consultation with existing quarters or the Land Trust Association.
The Community members described the move as controversial and potentially harmful to the community’s legal and proprietary interests.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Dafinone disclosed that repeated efforts by the Land Trust Association to obtain a copy of the amended constitution for review had proved unsuccessful.
“For over a year, the Trust has formally requested a copy of the amended constitution for review, but up till today, it has not been made available,” he said.
He further asked members present whether any of them had seen the document, to which the gathering reportedly responded with a resounding “No.”
Dafinone linked the alleged constitutional amendment to an ongoing land dispute between the Sapele Okpe Community and some residents of Otonyasere over a parcel of land within the Forest Reserve Area.
According to him, the community had secured favourable judgments at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, with the matter currently pending before the Supreme Court.
“We are presently before the Supreme Court. Should the apex court rule in our favour, the land will revert to the community. Recognising Otonyasere as a fifth quarter at this time could weaken our legal position,” he warned.
He also expressed concern over alleged instructions purportedly issued to the community’s legal representatives to withdraw some cases from court when judgments were believed to be imminent and favourable.
Further allegations were raised that the chairman had indefinitely postponed the regular monthly meeting upon learning that members intended to seek explanations on the alleged constitutional amendment and the creation of a fifth quarter.
Also speaking, Solomon Abeke accused the executive of high handedness, alleging that the chairman and some members of his team were administering the community in an autocratic manner.
While some members advocated issuing a formal warning and allowing the chairman to respond, others insisted that a vote of no confidence was necessary to protect the community’s collective interest. Following deliberations, the motion for a vote of no confidence was unanimously adopted.
However, in the interest of fairness and due process, Senator Dafinone appealed that Chief Temiagin be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The community consequently resolved that each of the four recognised quarters should nominate ten representatives to engage the chairman and allow him to present his defence.
The outcome of that engagement is expected to determine the next steps in resolving the leadership crisis currently confronting the Sapele Okpe Community.
