In a bid to foster harmony and effective governance, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area in Delta State, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, has issued a stern warning to councillors against actions that could destabilize the council. Speaking on Monday, December 15, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the legislative arm at the council headquarters in Akwukwu-Igbo, Esewezie emphasized the need for adherence to due process and condemned recent incidents of disorder.
The chairman's remarks come in the wake of a controversial removal of the former Leader of the House, Mr. Chris Nwamgbor, on December 11, 2025. Reports indicate that the impeachment process involved allegations of gross misconduct, with some accounts describing forceful methods that disrupted proceedings. Esewezie decried the use of force and illegal tactics, stating that such behavior portrayed the councillors as lawless and tarnished the image of the local government.
"Lawlessness and violation of due process will not be tolerated under my administration," Esewezie declared. He urged the lawmakers to operate strictly within legal frameworks and regulations governing local government operations. Highlighting the importance of peace and diligence, he stressed that internal conflicts distract from the core mandate of delivering democratic dividends to the people.
The priority, according to Esewezie, should be collaborative efforts between the executive and legislative arms to drive development, improve welfare, and address community needs. "Our task is to bring tangible development and enhance the lives of our people in Oshimili North. Rascality and disregard for regulations have no place here," he said. He pledged full cooperation with the new legislative leadership to promote peace, transparency, and all-round progress across the local government area.
The meeting also featured an apology from the Clerk of the House, Mr. Benedict Agboje, who represented the legislative arm. Agboje expressed regret over the "unprofessional conduct" during the December 11 sitting, where the former leader was removed amid chaos. He extended apologies to the chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, and other stakeholders, assuring that such incidents would not repeat.
Agboje explained that the removal stemmed from the former leader's alleged inconsistency and failure to follow house rules. He emphasized a renewed commitment to laid-down procedures in all future legislative activities. During the presentation, Agboje formally introduced the new principal officers: Mr. Henry Olowo as Leader of the House; Mrs. Augustina Odogwu as Deputy Leader; Mr. Patrick Nwankwor as Majority Leader; Mr. Paul Okai as Deputy Majority Leader; Mr. Okocha Onyeisi as Chief Whip; and Mr. Cyril Ufo as Minority Leader.
In his acceptance speech, the new Leader, Mr. Henry Olowo, reaffirmed the legislature's dedication to the rule of law, democratic principles, and legislative independence. He promised focused representation, development-oriented lawmaking, and partnership with the executive to advance good governance. Olowo assured constituents that the councillors would prioritize quality service delivery, infrastructure, welfare programs, and community empowerment.
This development highlights ongoing efforts to stabilize local governance in Oshimili North following recent leadership changes in the legislative arm. Hon. Esewezie's administration has been noted for initiatives in infrastructure, security, and social welfare, aligning with broader state goals under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's MORE Agenda.
Stakeholders view the chairman's intervention as a positive step toward unity, with expectations that the reconciled arms will accelerate projects benefiting residents. The emphasis on peaceful coexistence underscores the importance of institutional harmony at the grassroots level for sustainable development.
As Delta State continues to navigate local government dynamics post-elections, this reconciliation in Oshimili North serves as a model for conflict resolution and collaborative leadership. Residents anticipate improved service delivery, including road rehabilitations, health initiatives, and youth empowerment programs, as the executive and legislature work in tandem.
