Tension gripped Okurowhe Community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State as placard-carrying women staged a peaceful protest against the Executive Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Council, Chief Augustine Ogedegbe.
The protest, which began as early as 8:00 a.m. at Okan Junction along the Osubi/Eku Road, drew dozens of women from the community. Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with inscriptions such as “Okurowhe needs freedom from bad leadership,” “Augustine Ogedegbe must go,” “14 years of hardship and slavery,” and “No community town hall in 14 years,” the protesters demanded an end to what they described as prolonged misrule and marginalization.
The women accused Chief Ogedegbe, who hails maternally from Okurowhe and paternally from Ovu Community in Ethiope East, of clinging to the position of Okurowhe Community President for 14 years without bringing any visible development to the area. They alleged that while millions of naira have been generated from the community through land sales, none of it has been used for local development, particularly the construction of a town hall.
They further alleged that the proceeds were being diverted to develop Ovu Community, where Chief Ogedegbe also reportedly serves as Community President.
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Speaking to journalists during the protest, Favour Okugbeni, Believe Okitikpi, Regina Omare, and Florence German expressed dismay that Chief Ogedegbe has refused to step down or conduct community elections, despite multiple calls and appeals. They claimed he uses threats and police intimidation to suppress dissent whenever the issue of leadership transition is raised.
The women made a passionate appeal to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene, insisting that one individual cannot simultaneously serve as the President of two different communities and also be the Executive Chairman of a local government area.
They also called on the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), to intervene in the crisis, stating that their desire is for peace and development, not violence.
As part of their protest, the women visited the eldest woman in the community, Mama Anigboro Christiana Umukeke, who advised them to remain peaceful and reminded them that what matters most is having a leader who can bring positive change.
The protesters also visited the most senior man in the community, Pa John Adaohwoawerie Atigolo, continuing their peaceful demonstrations and dancing while holding their placards.
The community’s concerns underscore growing frustration over unaccountable leadership and the lack of tangible progress despite years of stewardship by local authorities.
