The Udu Kingdom Traditional Council of Chiefs has suspended the Otota, Sir Chief Sam Odibo, following a vote of no confidence passed against him over allegations of compromise and insubordination.
The decision was reached during a council meeting held on Wednesday, and the announcement was contained in a statement signed by Triple Chief C.C.I. Whiliki, Chief Pleasure Ghavwan, Chief Otto Ogboriveta (Vice Chairman of the Traditional Council), and Chief Stanley Tesi on behalf of the Council of Chiefs.
High Chief Matthew Uparan (JP) has been appointed as the acting Otota, pending the selection of a permanent successor.
The council accused Chief Odibo of various acts of misconduct, including disobeying directives from the late Ovie, failing to call meetings of Udu Chiefs, and undermining the kingdom’s unity during a critical transitional period.
The statement detailed specific instances of insubordination, including Chief Odibo’s refusal to communicate Ovie’s directive for all Udu Chiefs to attend a state government town hall meeting held on August 14, 2024, at Otor-Udu. The council claimed that this led to a hijack of the process, marking a breach of traditional protocols.
The council also alleged that Otota, during the mourning period of the Ovie, collaborated with a factional Council of Chiefs that was not recognized by the traditional ruler, further deepening divisions within the kingdom. Odibo was also accused of unilaterally appointing a new Secretary for the Council of Chiefs, disregarding existing members who had served under the late Ovie.
Additionally, the council raised concerns over alleged financial misappropriations and misuse of the 5% Traditional Committee Funds, revealing that funds meant for traditional purposes were reportedly funneled directly into Chief Odibo’s personal account.
Citing health challenges and ethical breaches, the council declared him unfit to continue in his role. The statement read, “We, the members of Udu Council of Chiefs/Udu Chiefs Forum, the body of all Udu Chiefs, do hereby pass a vote of no confidence on Sir Chief Sam Odibo JP. He is, on this day, 14th May, 2025, removed and ceased forthwith to function in that capacity.”
Attempts to reach the suspended Otota for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered, and text messages were not returned.
Read also: Dafinone commiserates with Urhobo nation on passing of Ovie of Udu Kingdom, HRM Owhorhu I
