Tension in Sapele as Okpe Groups Oppose Planned Itsekiri Ola Raja Installation

By Endurance Ikanone

Members of the Okpe Youth Council Worldwide, Sapele Okpe Community, Okpe Union, and other residents on Friday staged a peaceful protest across Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, calling for the suspension of the proposed installation of an “Ola Raja” described as the oldest man in the Itsekiri ethnic group within Sapele.

The planned installation, scheduled for December 13, 2025, has generated concern among Okpe leaders, who maintain that such a ceremony should not take place on what they describe as Okpe land.

The protest began at the Sapele Okpe Community Town Hall and proceeded through major streets to the Sapele Local Government Secretariat. There, the protesters were received by Mr. Felix Abune, Protocol Officer to the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Hon. Bright Abeke.

The procession later moved to the Sapele Divisional Police Headquarters, where the demonstrators were addressed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Johnbull Obiogoro, before concluding at the office of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The demonstration followed a joint press statement earlier issued by the Okpe Union and the Sapele Okpe Community.

In the statement, the President General of Okpe Union, Okakuro Godwin Atuse, and the Chairman of Sapele Okpe Community, Okakuro Onoriode Temiyage, expressed opposition to the proposed installation, describing it as inconsistent with Okpe customs.

Speaking during the protest, the Secretary of Sapele Okpe Community, Mr. Raphael O’Williams, said the community became concerned after receiving information that the Itsekiri ethnic group were allegedly making arrangements for the installation to proceed.

“Based on Sapele community customs, this installation is not acceptable,” he said. “Sapele is a peaceful area, and we do not want any situation that could lead to unrest, disruption, or loss of lives and property. We are appealing to the security agencies to halt the process and engage those involved.”

The National President of the Okpe Youth Council Worldwide, Comrade Moses Odiete, also expressed opposition to the proposed ceremony, urging that it be conducted elsewhere.

“Our appeal is that any cultural installation should be carried out in a location acceptable to all parties,” he said, while calling on security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained.

Similarly, the Chairman of Okpe Union in Sapele, Dr. Samuel Edbereje, stated that the union does not support the proposed installation and emphasized the group’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.

“We are a peace loving people, and our position is clear,” he said. “We do not want any action that could disrupt harmony in the community.”

Other speakers at the protest reiterated that Sapele is traditionally associated with the Okpe Kingdom and cautioned that continued disagreement over cultural matters should be addressed through dialogue and respect for local customs.

Responding on behalf of the local government chairman, Mr. Abune informed the protesters that steps were already being taken to address the situation.

“Upon receiving communication on this issue, the chairman convened an emergency security meeting,” he said. “Sapele is known for its peaceful nature, and no one should undermine that. Relevant parties have been invited for discussions.”

At the Divisional Police Headquarters, CSP Johnbull Obiogoro commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully.

“I appreciate your orderly conduct,” the DPO said. “The security agencies are aware of the situation and will take appropriate steps to ensure peace and public safety.”

Officials of the Department of State Services also confirmed receipt of a petition from the community and assured that the matter would be reviewed.

As of the time of filing this report, the Okpe community maintained its opposition to the installation of an Itsekiri Ola Raja within Sapele, while security agencies and local authorities continued efforts to prevent any breakdown of law and order.