The Ukhomuyio community of Okpella in Edo State has rejected the recent nomination of Mike Sado as the Okuokpellagbe, citing a flawed process that excluded the community’s participation.
This was contained in a Communique jointly signed by the President of the Community, Sam Afemikhe, High Chief Julius Ederefo of the Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads and Comrade Merrv Omoalu President, Ukhomunyio Youth Association.
The communique stated that Mr Sado was the only candidate in that meeting conducted by a few individuals who were not from Ukhomuyio.
According to the communique, Ukhomunyio, whose turn it is to produce the Okuokpellagbe, feels disenfranchised because the government has not allowed the Ukhomunyio Sub-Ruling Area to carry out the process of choosing an acceptable Okuokpellagbe in line with the directives of Government and the extant laws for the appointment of Okuokpellagbe.
Following the development, Ukhomuyio has set up a new executive group to resolve the impasse and engender growth and development in the community.
Members of the community during a meeting at the Afokpella Secondary School on Sunday had their focus on unifying and repositioning the community.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the community, Dr Samson Omosotomhe, the meeting marked a significant turning point as new executive leadership was established, with a vision for the future.
The newly elected executive, with a mission of rescue and recovery and a vision to make Ukhomuyio socially and economically developed, was tasked with steering the community towards unity, justice, and progress.
“The agenda includes uniting the entire Ukhomuyio community to heal the wounds of the past seven years, fostering integration between Ukhomuyio and the wider Okpella community, engaging with government stakeholders to resolve the Okhuokpellagbe impasse equitably, and partnering with operating companies to ensure Ukhomuyio benefits from local economic resources.
Other agenda are: “To launch aggressive development initiatives to make up for lost time and collaborate with the government to enhance security, enabling safe farming and peaceful living”.
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Omosotomhe emphasized that the renewed leadership was a call to all Ukhomuyio sons and daughters to rise in unity, filled with hope and purpose, towards a brighter future.
The executive members include; Samuel Sunday Onoshioagbe Afemikhe as president, Dr. Henry Idogun Vice President, Charles Ikumesomi Chairperson, Roland Ediawe Secretary, Mathew Okun Assistant Secretary, Okhale Labeshi Financial Secretary, Eshio Omokhagbo Assistant Financial Secretary, Mark Adogah Treasurer, Philip Odion Magnus Assistant Treasurer, Dr Samson Omosotomhe Public and Osaru Usman Relations Officers, Bar(s) Philip Thomas Ilukholo, Benjamin Onekpe, and Mutairu Hope Aliu as Legal Advisers, Jonathan Abu, and Lucky Afiabor as Security Officers and Engr. Sunday, Iremia; Dr. William Odiwo; Barr. Nicholas Aliu; Barnabas Eshiobho; Hon. Philip Akemokue; Hon. Ekhis Uduafemeh; Jerome Francisca as Ex Officio Members.
It was also agreed that the Community empowers the President, working with other stakeholders, to create a robust and all-Inclusive team of well-meaning Ukhomunyio sons and daughters that will pilot the affairs of the community In collaboration with the Village Heads.