Sapele Crisis: Dafinone Emerges Key Voice in Defence of Urhobo Interests

Amid the ongoing leadership crisis in the Sapele-Okpe Community of Delta State, Senator Ede Dafinone has again emerged as a prominent voice advocating for the protection of Urhobo interests.

The senator, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, is widely believed to have played a significant role in the recent decision by His Royal Majesty, Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, to suspend controversial constitutional amendments initiated by the community chairman. The monarch also halted indefinitely the proposed creation of a fifth quarter within the Sapele-Okpe Community in Sapele Local Government Area.

Observers within the Urhobo nation say the development highlights the growing influence of the Delta Central lawmaker, known for his calm but firm stance on matters affecting Urhobo heritage and collective interests. Many stakeholders describe him as a leader who combines humility with a willingness to act decisively when issues concerning the identity and rights of his people arise.

At the centre of the dispute is a long-standing conflict involving Okpe settlers and the Sapele-Okpe Community over ownership of a forest reserve in the area. The matter has previously been heard at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, where the Sapele-Okpe Community reportedly secured favourable judgments. The case is currently before the Supreme Court.

Tensions escalated after reports emerged that moves were being made to withdraw the case from the apex court. The attempt reportedly faced strong resistance from Senator Dafinone and other community stakeholders who insisted that the legal process should be allowed to run its course.

Following the failed withdrawal effort, another controversial proposal surfaced — the creation of a fifth quarter in the Sapele-Okpe Community. Critics argued that such a move could potentially transfer a share of ownership and control of the disputed forest reserve to Okpe settlers, thereby undermining the collective rights of the host community.

Amid growing concerns, Senator Dafinone reportedly began consultations with elders, youth leaders, and other stakeholders in the community. During these engagements, attention turned to the actions of the Sapele-Okpe Community Executive Committee led by Chairman Chief Onoriode Temiagin, with some stakeholders expressing fears that certain decisions could weaken the community’s legal position in ongoing land disputes.

To address the concerns, a general meeting of the Sapele-Okpe Community was scheduled for March 1, 2026. However, the meeting was reportedly cancelled moments before it was to begin, despite the presence of several community leaders, youth representatives, and members of the executive at Okpe Hall in Sapele.

At the gathering, Senator Dafinone addressed those present, explaining the potential implications of the proposed constitutional amendment and the creation of the fifth quarter. Participants at the meeting later passed a vote of no confidence in the Temiagin-led executive.

The development sparked strong reactions among youths in the community, many of whom feared that the community’s interests were being compromised. Despite the tension, the senator urged restraint and adherence to due process.

He cautioned that “you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence,” stressing that the community chairman should be given the opportunity to respond before any final decisions are taken. He also called for a broader stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives from the four traditional quarters of the community.

As tensions continued to rise and youth protests intensified, the Orodje of Okpe intervened, suspending the amended constitution indefinitely and halting the proposed creation of the fifth quarter. The monarch’s action was widely viewed as a move to restore calm and prevent further divisions within the community.

Many observers believe the royal intervention followed a clearer understanding of the issues surrounding the dispute. Several stakeholders described the decision as a conciliatory step that helped de-escalate tensions.

Within the community, many believe Senator Dafinone’s involvement helped bring wider attention to the potential implications of the constitutional changes and mobilised stakeholders to safeguard what they consider their collective heritage.

The senator has previously spoken on matters affecting Urhobo identity and territorial integrity, including disputes involving neighbouring communities and historical claims to land in Sapele and Warri.

For many in the Urhobo nation, his recent role reflects the legacy of past Urhobo leaders who were known for defending the cultural and political interests of the people.

While the long-term outcome of the crisis remains to be seen, the events surrounding the Sapele-Okpe Community dispute have once again placed Senator Ede Dafinone at the centre of discussions on the protection of Urhobo interests.