In a decisive move that has brought a measure of relief to the embattled Sapele-Okpe Community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), CFR, mni, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, has indefinitely suspended the contentious amendment to the community's constitution. This includes the proposed recognition and creation of a so-called "fifth quarter," specifically designating Otonyasere as an additional quarter beyond the traditional four.
The royal directive was issued during a high-stakes stakeholders' meeting held at the Orodje's Palace in Orerokpe, the traditional headquarters of the Okpe Kingdom. The gathering was convened specifically to address the brewing leadership crisis and deep divisions that had gripped the community in recent weeks. The monarch's intervention underscores his role as a pivotal peacemaker and custodian of Okpe customs, traditions, and unity, especially in matters affecting satellite communities like Sapele-Okpe, which falls under the overarching authority of the Okpe Kingdom.
The controversy erupted prominently around early March 2026. On March 1, 2026, what was intended as a routine monthly community meeting at Okpe Hall in Sapele quickly turned chaotic and was aborted amid heated debates. Community members accused the executive committee, headed by Chief Onoriode Temiagin, of secretly amending the Sapele-Okpe Community constitution without broad consultations. The core allegation centered on the unilateral inclusion of Otonyasere—a neighboring or related area—as the fifth quarter. Traditionally, Sapele-Okpe has operated with a four-quarter structure, a framework rooted in historical, cultural, and administrative norms that have defined community governance for generations.
Critics, including influential figures and ordinary members, argued that this change was not only procedurally flawed but also potentially damaging to the community's legal standing and proprietary rights. Particular concern arose in the context of an ongoing land dispute involving areas within the Forest Reserve, where altering the constitutional framework could weaken the Sapele-Okpe position in legal proceedings. Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District and serving as Chairman of the Sapele-Okpe Community Land Trust Association, was among those who highlighted these risks during discussions. He reportedly cautioned that such a move might be interpreted as a tactic to dilute the community's claims.
The discontent boiled over into public action. Just days later, on March 4, 2026, thousands of youths from across the community's four quarters mobilized for a large-scale, yet peaceful, protest. Converging early in the morning near the community hall, they marched through key streets of Sapele, chanting solidarity songs and brandishing placards with bold messages: “We Don’t Have a Fifth Quarter,” “Temiagin Must Go,” and “This Is Sapele-Okpe Community, Not Temiagin Community.” The demonstration drew significant attention from residents, traders, and passersby, signaling widespread frustration with perceived autocratic tendencies in leadership.
Youth leader Ovo Abeke addressed the crowd, articulating the protesters' grievances clearly. He emphasized that the call for Chief Temiagin to step aside stemmed from a belief that his administration had not served the best interests of the Sapele-Okpe people. Abeke stressed the need for inclusive decision-making, insisting that any constitutional amendment must involve full consultation at general meetings. The youths issued a 48-hour ultimatum for concrete steps toward addressing their demands, including a transparent leadership transition aligned with established community procedures.
Faced with the risk of the situation spiraling into prolonged unrest or even violence, the Orodje acted swiftly. Through Okakuro O.P. Biadoyo, Secretary of the Okpe Traditional Council/Odugu Okpe, he issued invitations to all parties in the dispute for a dialogue at the palace. The letter underscored the monarch's intent: to resolve the ongoing issues in the community through peaceful means.
The palace meeting assembled a cross-section of prominent Sapele-Okpe leaders and stakeholders, reflecting the gravity of the matter. Among those in attendance were Okakuro Thompson Okpoko, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, Okakuro Moses Asini, Okakuro Joe Ogufere, Senator Ede Dafinone, Chief Onoriode Temiagin himself, Okakuro Godfrey Dafinone, Okakuro Tom Anirah, Okakuro Patrick Akamovba, Dr. Kingsley Abeke (Secretary of the Land Trust Association), Dr. Austin Arieja, Col. Moses Babuba Abeke, Hon. Godwin Atose, Chief Cyril Ogodo, Mr. Churchill Ayomanor, and others. Their presence highlighted the community's deep bench of educated, experienced, and influential personalities capable of contributing to resolution.
During the deliberations, the Orodje delivered clear directives. He suspended the alleged constitutional amendment and the fifth-quarter creation indefinitely, stating unequivocally: “The purported amendment of the Sapele-Okpe Community constitution and the creation of a fifth quarter is hereby suspended indefinitely.” To preserve stability and avoid unnecessary disruption, he set aside the vote of no confidence previously passed against Chief Temiagin and his executive. Noting that only about four to five months remained in their tenure, the monarch reasoned that allowing completion of the term would prevent further instability while opening avenues for dialogue.
The Orodje further appealed to key figures—particularly Senator Ede Dafinone as Land Trust Chairman and Chief Temiagin as community chairman—to collaborate closely. He urged them to prioritize harmony, address underlying grievances transparently, and work toward restoring trust among the people.
This intervention by the revered monarch is widely viewed as timely and statesmanlike. In Okpe Kingdom, where traditional authority carries immense weight, the Orodje's word often serves as the final arbiter in intra-community disputes. By halting unilateral changes and promoting inclusive dialogue, he has effectively de-escalated tensions that could have fractured social cohesion in Sapele-Okpe—a vital component of the broader Okpe socio-cultural fabric.
The suspension opens the door for structured conversations on governance, constitutional integrity, land matters, and leadership accountability. It reinforces the principle that major alterations to community structures must reflect collective will, historical precedents, and due process. As the community now looks ahead, many hope this royal pause will foster genuine reconciliation, stronger unity, and a renewed commitment to shared progress under the watchful guidance of the Orodje.
The events in Sapele-Okpe serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between modern administrative needs and the preservation of time-honored traditions in Nigeria's multi-layered communities. With the monarch's firm yet conciliatory hand, there is optimism that peace will prevail and that Sapele-Okpe will emerge more cohesive.
