By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr 

A fresh dispute is brewing in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, as indigenes of Ojeada, Umuda, Afadia, and other villages in Umuaji Quarters have raised alarm over alleged irregularities in the payment of compensation linked to the Phase 2A internal road network of the 2nd Niger Bridge construction.

Speaking to journalists in Asaba, a community leader, Obi Nduka Ogochukwu of Umuda village, accused the consulting firm, Odum O. Partners, of complicating the process. He alleged that the consultant, Mr. Okwchukwu Odum, claimed that the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), had directed that payments for Asaba claimants be channeled through him.

Describing the arrangement as unacceptable, Ogochukwu stressed that rightful property owners had met all requirements and deserved direct payments without any third-party involvement. He pointed out that in other affected communities such as Okwe, Okpanam, and Ibusa, compensation was paid directly to beneficiaries without similar controversy.

However, the palace of the Asagba of Asaba has strongly denied the allegation, dismissing it as “false and malicious.” Representatives of the monarch insisted that the Asagba had no hand in the compensation disbursement process.

The situation has been further complicated by what residents termed “contradictory statements” from the consultant. According to them, while Mr. Odum earlier promised that payments would be made directly to individuals, recent developments suggest otherwise.

Frustrated by over seven years of waiting, the Umuaji community commended Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for prioritizing the road project but vowed not to allow confusion to derail the process.

In an earlier protest to the consultant’s office, the aggrieved residents accused Odum O. Partners of attempting to subvert due process. They have now called on the Delta State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS)—which has supervised previous rounds of compensation—to urgently wade in and ensure transparency.

The indigenes maintained that compensation must be paid directly to property owners, insisting that this is the only way to guarantee fairness, accountability, and peace in the community.

The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI) has faulted a petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, by the Young Nigerian Rights Organization (YNRO) over the lingering traditional dispute in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, describing it as premature, misleading, and without substance.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, and made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday, SSPTI condemned what it termed “a deliberate attempt to smear the image of the Delta State Police Command” by the petitioner, Mr. Victor Ojei, popularly known as Wong Box, who also doubles as the YNRO Coordinator.

According to the group, it was improper for Ojei, who hails from Ubulu-Uku and is reportedly aligned with one of the factions in the communal crisis—to file a petition under the guise of human rights advocacy, while being an interested party in the dispute.

“We find it very disturbing that Mr. Ojei is using the cover of a civil society platform to unduly pressure the police into tilting their neutrality in favour of one camp in the Ubulu-Uku crisis,” the statement noted.

The body expressed surprise at the attempt to drag the Delta State Police Command into the internal traditional affairs of Ubulu-Uku. According to the body, it was “shocking” that Victor Ojei’s group tried to link the suspension of the Onishe (traditional Prime Minister) of Ubulu-Uku to the police.

“The question is: was it the police that removed him, or did we in any way influence that decision?” the body queried, stressing that matters of succession and discipline within the traditional council remain the exclusive prerogative of the Ubulu-Uku traditional authorities.

SSPTI also faulted the claim that the Delta Police Command deliberately kept the petition “in view,” stressing that routine procedures must be observed before investigations into such sensitive matters can commence.

“Our findings show that the interval between when the petition was submitted and when YNRO rushed to the IGP was extremely short. The allegation of deliberate frustration by the police does not hold water because petitions go through well-established processes before action can be taken,” Alozie stated.

The group further warned against attempts to politicize or hijack traditional issues under the guise of human rights advocacy, urging stakeholders to allow security agencies to carry out their duties without intimidation or bias.

“Matters of traditional authority and communal disputes are often complex and sensitive. What the Ubulu-Uku community needs now is peace-building, not unnecessary distractions or media campaigns to blackmail the police,” the statement concluded.

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The Niger Delta Peace Awareness Movement (NDPAM) has criticized the recent protest by the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) headquarters in Abuja, describing it as baseless and driven by ethnic sentiment.

The protesters had demanded the removal of NNPCL Group Managing Director, Bayo Ojulari, alleging bias against the Niger Delta.

But in a statement signed by its National Leader, Alhaji Awo H.D. Amir, NDPAM dismissed the call as unfair and divisive.

“The NNPCL is a federal government-owned corporation, not the property of the Niger Delta. Demanding Ojulari’s sack simply because he is not from the region is laughable and unpatriotic,” Amir said.

He argued that Ojulari has been working to revamp the refineries, which had remained comatose for years before his appointment.

NDPAM also urged Niger Delta youths to channel their energy into productive ventures and community development rather than staging protests for political or financial gain.

“We must stop this selective clamping down on NNPCL and look at the bigger picture. Development will not come from constant protests but from taking responsibility for our region’s growth,” Amir added.

The group further questioned the sincerity of the protesters, suggesting that their motives may be self-serving.

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD

The Media Office of Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Immediate Past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, has raised alarm over alleged plots by desperate politicians to launch a smear campaign against him.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the office said the plotters, worried about Elumelu’s growing popularity, have resorted to fake news platforms and deliberate misrepresentations in a bid to mislead the public.

One recent example, the office explained, was a fake Facebook post mischievously attributed to a news portal, Dailyreport.ng, which falsely claimed that Elumelu made comments about political parties during a rally in Asaba, Delta State, on August 9, 2025. The office clarified that Elumelu neither attended such a rally nor made any remarks as alleged, noting that no such political event took place in Asaba on the said date.

Investigations by the office alleged that the fake post was the handiwork of “cowardly political elements” who recruited individuals to spread fabrications and misrepresentations. It added that further findings revealed ongoing plans to sponsor hack writers and malicious publications aimed at tarnishing Elumelu’s image.

While stating that Elumelu has forgiven those behind the campaign of falsehood, his Media Office warned that it would not hesitate to pursue strong legal and professional action if the perpetrators fail to desist.

The office emphasized that this was not the first time it had to debunk false reports, stressing that Nigerians can easily see through such “cheap lies and political mischief.”

By GOODNESS TORITSEJU MENE

The grand celebrations marking the 4th coronation anniversary of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, ended on a high note Sunday with a powerful thanksgiving service at the King’s Dominion Palace Church, Warri.

The royal family, chiefs, government officials, and indigenes of Iwere land thronged the palace church in a colourful show of gratitude, offering praise to God for a peaceful and progressive reign.

Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, hailed the Olu as “a bridge builder and true champion of sustainable development.” He noted that in just four years, Ogiame has brought peace, unity, and renewed hope to the Iwere nation.

In his fiery sermon, Rev. Michael Akpere urged the people to embrace thanksgiving as a lifestyle, declaring that God’s hand has preserved the Itsekiri nation through challenges. “Let God be God and let man be man. Thanksgiving opens more doors for blessings,” he charged.

The thanksgiving service, filled with hymns and heartfelt prayers, closed a week-long celebration of culture, faith, and unity, setting the stage for another glorious chapter in the reign of Ogiame Atuwatse III.

By GOODNESS TORITSEJU MENE

In a landmark ceremony that blended tradition with modern vision, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, has inaugurated the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI), a prestigious honour designed to celebrate Nigerians who embody integrity, industry, and transformative leadership.

At the maiden investiture, held at the Aghofen Palace in Warri, seven distinguished personalities were decorated as the first recipients of the award, which ranks second only to chieftaincy conferment in the Iwere Kingdom.

Leading the list was Papa Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor (OFR), globally respected cleric and founder of Word of Life Bible Church. Popularly known as “Papa Ayo,” he is renowned for pioneering Christian broadcasting through the African Broadcasting Network, serving as President of both the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and for his tireless advocacy for social justice, education, and empowerment of the underprivileged.

Other awardees include: Dr. Ebi Omatsola – Petroleum geoscientist and Director at Conoil Plc, widely respected for his contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector.

Mr. Oti Ikomi – Founder of Proton Energy, with decades of experience in finance and power generation across Africa.

Dr. Mrs. Helen Boyo-Ekwueme – Medical consultant, women’s empowerment advocate, and wife of Nigeria’s first elected Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

Mrs. Eva Omaghomi – Cultural ambassador of the Benin Kingdom and humanitarian committed to preserving heritage and supporting women and children.

Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye – Celebrated entrepreneur and CEO of House of Tara International, credited with transforming Nigeria’s beauty industry and mentoring young women in business.

Hon. Dr. Godwin Toritseju Ebosa – Entrepreneur, aquaculture expert, and political leader, currently serving on the board of Delta Special Economic Zone Management Company.

Speaking at the event, the Olu of Warri said the Royal Order of Iwere was conceived to correct the sense of neglect often felt by achievers who were rarely celebrated at home.

“We are what we celebrate,” Ogiame declared. “Our aim is to dignify and appreciate our people, so that when they return home, they return to a place that honors them. By doing so, we inspire future generations and build a stronger Iwere land.”

He stressed that the ROI would go beyond pomp and pageantry, serving as a platform for mentorship, cultural exchange, and social renewal. A body known as the Royal Iwere Society, composed of ROI recipients, will guide the process of future selections and help drive initiatives such as workshops, exhibitions, and debates aimed at positioning Warri as a global hub of culture and enterprise.

The monarch also emphasized that the award would recognize not just achievers, but those whose lives reflect stories of redemption:

“Where grace is evident, and lives are turned around from prison to palace, we will honor such people. It is never too late for transformation, and this award must serve as a godly example for generations to come.

”With the launch of the Royal Order of Iwere, Warri has added a new chapter to its cultural heritage — one that blends history with hope, and celebration with responsibility.

By  GOODNESS TORITSEJU MENE

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has reflected on his four years on the throne, declaring that his reign is anchored on unity, cultural preservation, and a vision of sustainable development for the Itsekiri nation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with select journalists at his palace in Warri as part of activities marking his 4th coronation anniversary, the revered monarch described his journey so far as “a walk of faith,” guided daily by divine grace.

“My journey on the throne has been very interesting. We take it one day at a time; God helps us and gives us grace for each day. No two days are the same,” he said.

On his vision of a unified Kingdom, looking ahead, Ogiame Atuwatse III emphasized that the foremost duty of a king is to build unity and exercise dominion in a benevolent, not tyrannical, manner.

“Every king looks forward to a unified house. That is why it is called a kingdom. The king is supposed to have sway, to have dominion — but not in a selfish or controlling way. It should be generous, benevolent, and elevated,” he explained.

Responding to a question on safeguarding language and culture, and on the challenge of sustaining the Itsekiri language, especially among children, the monarch expressed concern over the global erosion of indigenous identities due to globalization, commerce, and migration.

“We are seeing the gradual decline of our languages across Africa. To preserve identity and culture, we must find creative ways to swim against the tide,” he said, adding that incentives beyond money must be developed to encourage the younger generation to embrace their mother tongue.

He stressed that cultural preservation must be made attractive:

“This generation must see that culture and tradition are cool. They need to see it as their identity, something worth preserving and participating in.”

On the newly launched Itsekiri Trust Fund for Long-Term Development, the Olu clarified the recent launch of the Itsekiri Trust Fund, describing it as a vehicle for “sowing seeds of development” rather than a platform for cash handouts.

“This is not palliative, it is not about sharing money. Too often, we eat the seed instead of planting it. This Fund is about planting, tending, and patiently waiting for the harvest that will benefit our people for generations to come,” he noted.

On the question of balancing modernization with tradition, the monarch urged Nigerian youths to embrace media and storytelling as tools to reshape narratives.

He pointed to countries like Japan, Thailand, and the Middle East as examples where tradition thrives alongside technological advancement.

“Narratives shape identity. If our young people see culture as progressive and relevant, they will own it. Tradition is not incompatible with modern life — it is actually the foundation of identity,” he said.

Reflecting on the challenges of kingship, Ogiame Atuwatse III likened the experience to navigating stormy seas, an apt metaphor for a monarch whose people are riverine.

“Smooth seas do not make good sailors. We are a people of the water; the throne is not meant to be easy. But God has not brought us this far to drown us. Every storm chisels us for greater glory,” he said.

As the Itsekiri nation celebrates his four years on the throne, the Olu’s message was clear: unity, patience, cultural pride, and a forward-looking vision remain the pillars of his reign.