General News
OKPE UNION, SAPELE OKPE COMMUNITY REJECT ALLEGED PLANS TO INSTALL ITSEKIRI ELDEST MAN IN SAPELE
The Okpe Union and the Sapele Okpe Community have expressed strong condemnation over alleged plans to install an Itsekiri oldest man, also known as an Olori-Egbe, in the city of Sapele. The groups describe the alleged move as a deliberate act of provocation and a threat to the peace of Sapele, a territory they assert is historically and constitutionally under the Okpe Kingdom.
In a statement released by the spokesman of the Okpe Union, Chief Julius Scott, the union stated it has uncovered plans by certain individuals to cause chaos in Sapele. Chief Scott called on the Okpe people to remain vigilant and law-abiding but resolute in defending their heritage. He emphasized that the Okpe people are the sole owners of Sapele land.
Chief Scott was quoted saying, “We wish to state unequivocally that Sapele is part of Okpe Kingdom and the Okpe people are the bonafide owners of Sapele land. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Edicts are clear on who and how a traditional ruler is installed in any community.” He further warned that the Okpe Union would employ every legal means to resist any attempt to destabilize Sapele.
Adding to the union’s position, the Youth Chairman of the Sapele Okpe Community, Mr. Samuel Udi, clarified that the alleged installation holds no historical or traditional significance in Sapele. He stated that the entire Sapele town is governed by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom through his appointed representatives.
Mr. Udi stated, “We wish to inform the general public that the purported planned installation has no place in history and tradition of Sapele. The general public should take note that the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom administers the whole of Sapele town through his representatives.” He issued a stern warning to those behind the alleged plans, urging them to desist immediately to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
The groups have called on the Delta State Government and security agencies to intervene and call the alleged planners to order, stressing that such actions are capable of disrupting the existing peace in Sapele Local Government Area.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has introduced an urgent, coordinated strategy to safeguard food security across West Africa and the Sahel, as global economic disruptions and rising oil prices continue to threaten agricultural production.
The decision followed an extraordinary virtual meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Agriculture held on March 23, 2026, where regional leaders assessed the growing risks to food systems.
The high-level meeting, convened by the ECOWAS Commission through its Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture under Commissioner Kalilou Sylla, brought together key regional institutions, development partners, and financial stakeholders.
Participants—including representatives from the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel—reviewed the impact of rising fertiliser costs, driven by global market volatility and increasing energy prices, on agricultural productivity across the region.
Deliberations resulted in the adoption of a medium- to long-term operational framework aimed at strengthening food sovereignty and building resilience within regional food systems.
Key measures outlined in the plan include the immediate establishment of regional agreements to secure strategic fertiliser supplies, as well as the creation of emergency reserves to cushion the effects of future price shocks.
The ministers also approved the introduction of liquidity swap mechanisms through central banks to address foreign exchange constraints faced by importers—an intervention expected to improve access to critical agricultural inputs.
“Our collective response underscores the urgency of safeguarding food security in the face of external shocks,” Sylla said, noting that enhanced regional coordination and targeted interventions would help sustain agricultural production and protect vulnerable populations.
The initiative highlights ECOWAS’ commitment to deepening regional cooperation and implementing sustainable solutions to emerging threats to food security across West Africa and the Sahel.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday paid a Sallah homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.
The visit formed part of activities marking the Sallah celebrations, as top government officials and political leaders paid courtesy calls to the President.
During the meeting, President Tinubu also received members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council, a key political body in Lagos State.
Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council
The engagements provided an opportunity for discussions on national issues and strengthened ties between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The Sallah homage is a long-standing tradition in Nigeria, where political leaders and stakeholders visit the President and other top officials during major Islamic festivities.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over the reported arrest of a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, describing the development as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi said he was informed that the cleric was arrested by authorities shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday. He described the situation as “deeply troubling,” warning that it reflects a growing pattern of intimidation and suppression of dissenting voices in the country.
Obi noted that such actions, if confirmed, undermine fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and movement, which he said are essential pillars of any democratic society.
He further stressed that harassment or persecution of citizens based on perceived political affiliations must not be tolerated, urging the government to uphold the rule of law in its dealings with Nigerians.
“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society,” Obi stated, adding that suppression and intimidation of dissent have no place in a functioning democracy.
The former Anambra State governor called on authorities and all relevant actors to refrain from actions capable of weakening the nation’s already fragile democratic system.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the alleged arrest.