Okpe Monarch Suspends Creation of ‘Fifth Quarter’ in Sapele-Okpe Community

The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Felix Mujakperuo, has suspended the proposed amendment of the Sapele-Okpe Community constitution and the creation of a controversial fifth quarter that recently sparked tensions within the community.

Mujakperuo, a retired major general and traditional ruler known as Orhue I, issued the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting held at his palace in Orerokpe, Delta State, aimed at resolving the leadership dispute within the Sapele-Okpe community.

The monarch, who also serves as Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, directed that all actions relating to the constitutional amendment and the recognition of the alleged fifth quarter be halted indefinitely.

The meeting followed rising tensions after community leaders on March 1, 2026, passed a vote of no confidence on the community chairman, Onoriode Temiagin, and his executive over allegations that they secretly amended the community constitution and created a new quarter without proper consultation.

However, the monarch set aside the vote of no confidence and allowed Temiagin and his executive to complete their tenure, noting that they have about four months left in office.

The dispute was further fueled by claims that the executive attempted to recognise Otonyasere as the fifth quarter of Sapele-Okpe Community without consulting the existing quarters or members of the Sapele-Okpe Community Land Trust Association.

The controversy triggered protests on March 4, when hundreds of youths marched through the streets of Sapele, carrying placards with messages such as “We Don’t Have a Fifth Quarter” and “Temiagin Must Go.”

Addressing the stakeholders at the palace meeting, the monarch urged both the chairman of the Sapele-Okpe Community Land Trust Association, Ede Dafinone, and the community chairman, Temiagin, to work together to resolve the dispute and restore peace in the community.

Several prominent leaders attended the meeting, including Professor Sam Oyovbaire and other community elders.

The Orodje’s intervention is expected to calm tensions and pave the way for dialogue aimed at resolving the leadership crisis within the Sapele-Okpe community.