By Victor Lewis
Senator Ede Dafinone has admonished Itsekiri leaders and the Uduaghan family of Ugborodo to call one of their sons, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, to order over what his recent baseless and inflammatory claims to land ownership in Sapele.
Dafinone warned that such unprovoked spurious claims, if left unchecked, could undermine the peace the town has enjoyed for decades.
Reacting to a caveat emptor issued by Chief Uduaghan ahead of the foundation-laying of the proposed Sub-Palace of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Sapele scheduled for January 24, 2026, Dafinone, described the action as provocative and legally unsustainable.
It would be recalled that Chief Uduaghan who issued the caveat which circulated widely online and appeared in Saturday Vanguard, challenged the authority of the Okpe traditional institution over Sapele land.
Dafinone, who chairs the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association, stated that ownership of land in Sapele is not in doubt, adding that the “title to all lands in Sapele Community is vested in the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association,” even as he stressed that Sapele is an indigenous Okpe town, notwithstanding its cosmopolitan character.
According to him, while people from different ethnic groups reside in Sapele, only the Okpe are indigenous to the town and the entire Sapele Local Government Area.
He noted that the Delta State Traditional Rulers, Council and Chiefs Law, recognises the Orodje of Okpe as the sole traditional ruler with jurisdiction over Sapele, adding that the Olu of Warri has never enjoyed statutory recognition in the area, just as he emphasized that there is no indigenous Itsekiri community within Sapele Local Government.
Dafinone also drew attention to past judicial decisions on the issue, citing cases such as Chief Ayomano & Anor v. Ginuwa II (9 WACA 85), as well as later Supreme Court rulings including Muvunum v. Achydoma and Madam Ukoli Oleji v. Washman Ogodo. He said these judgments consistently affirmed Okpe ownership of Sapele land while recognizing the presence of other groups as customary tenants.
Calling for moderation in public discourse, the senator stressed the importance of responsible communication, noting that peace and coexistence in Sapele have been sustained through mutual respect and understanding over the years.
He further urged relevant security agencies to remain attentive to developments, emphasizing the need for early engagement to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into wider disputes.
Dafinone also acknowledged Itsekiri residents and commentators who have openly encouraged calm and dialogue, describing their stance as constructive and in the interest of communal harmony.
In his closing remarks, the senator appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize peace and unity in Sapele, urging that sensitive issues be addressed through lawful and respectful channels in order to preserve the town’s stability and shared future.
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