Foster Akpore | July 22, 2026 | Ughelli
Orogun Kingdom has taken a significant step towards strengthening peace, unity and institutional harmony following a reconciliation meeting convened by the Ughelli North Traditional Rulers Council to resolve recent differences involving Chief Bennet Abafe, Omo Okpara-Uku, and some members of the Okpara-Uku-in-Council.
The meeting, presided over by His Royal Majesty, Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom and Chairman of the Ughelli North Traditional Rulers Council, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to address outstanding concerns, promote dialogue and reaffirm their collective commitment to the stability and progress of Orogun Kingdom.
In his remarks, the Ovie of Ughelli urged all parties to place the interest of the kingdom above individual differences, stressing that peace, mutual respect and adherence to due process remain the foundation of effective traditional governance.
The monarch also reaffirmed that the Traditional Rulers Council would respect and implement the judgment of the competent court regarding the tenure of the Secretary of the Okpara-Uku-in-Council, urging all concerned to refrain from actions capable of constituting contempt of court.
Addressing one of the matters before the Council, the Ovie noted that the approved fund for the Ekpara, as stipulated under the Okpara-Uku-in-Council’s internal arrangement, should continue. He consequently directed that the necessary payments be effected in line with the Council’s approved provisions.
He described the reconciliation process as one aimed at healing relationships rather than assigning blame, declaring that “there is no victor and no vanquished,” and called on all stakeholders to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation and cooperation for the overall development of Orogun Kingdom.
As part of the resolutions reached, the Council ratified the emergence of Chief Godwin Odigwe Ohwofasa as the Secretary of the Okpara-Uku-in-Council, succeeding Chief Benson Ibeh following the expiration of his seven-year tenure. The appointment had earlier been made in accordance with the traditional processes of Orogun Kingdom, having been initiated by His Highness Joseph Ezeogu Igidi, the Okpara of Ogwa, and ratified by His Royal Majesty, Joseph Okorocha Emoghene Osuokpa I, the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom, on Monday, 20 July 2026.
The meeting was also attended by His Royal Majesty Oghenekevwe Owin Kumane, Eruvwedede III, Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom; Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Vice Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, representing the Chairman of the Council; Olorogun (Barr.) Jaro Movudu Egbo, KSC; Mr. Fidelis E. Erhiurhore, Assistant Director of Administration and Schedule Officer of the Ughelli North Traditional Rulers Council; and Barr. C. O. Erhire of the Legal Department, Ughelli North Local Government Council.
Also present were traditional rulers, chiefs and community leaders from Orogun Kingdom, including Chief Bennet Abafe; H.H. Moses Erheromebe Ejenadia, Okpara of Imodje-Orogun; Prince Ezekiel Oberhirhi, Omo Okpara of Emonu; Prince Julius Igidi, Omo Okpara of Ogwa; Chief (Barr.) E. T. Opone, President-General of Orogun Kingdom; Chief Austin Oghenesivwohwo, Deputy President-General of Orogun Kingdom; Chief Samuel Ojumah, Acting Chairman of Orogun Traditional Council of Chiefs; Chief John Akpore; Chief Andrew Oviri, Onotu-Uku of Umusu; Chief Thomas Onovughe; Chief Benson Ibeh; Chief John Ominigbo; Prince Austin Ozenikpe; Chief William Owhebor; Mr. Jackson Ndakarabo; Chief Esther Odjegba; Mr. Romeo Hitler; Mr. Bonmark Ogbajini, Hon Ochuko Ugeh, Mr. Aghogho Udumenyan, among others.
Responding after the ratification of his appointment, Chief Godwin Odigwe Ohwofasa expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work with all stakeholders to deepen unity within the kingdom.
“This is a call to serve and to build bridges for Ogwa Sub-clan and Orogun Kingdom in general, to move forward in one love, progress and unity,” he said.
Ohwofasa also expressed profound appreciation to the Ughelli North Traditional Rulers Council, led by the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, for its fatherly mediation and commitment to restoring harmony in Orogun Kingdom. He equally thanked his predecessor, Chief Benson Ibeh, for embracing reconciliation and agreeing to bury the hatchet in the spirit of brotherhood, describing the gesture as one that places the collective interest of the kingdom above personal differences.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the President-General of Orogun Kingdom, Chief (Barr.) E. T. Opone, described the peaceful resolution as a landmark achievement that reflects the wisdom of the kingdom’s traditional institutions and the collective commitment of its people to peace, unity and due process.
He expressed appreciation to the Ughelli North Traditional Rulers Council, led by His Royal Majesty, Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, for its fatherly leadership and mediation; the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council for his support; His Highness Joseph Ezeogu Igidi, the Okpara of Ogwa, for his commitment to due process; and all traditional rulers, Council members, elders and stakeholders whose cooperation made the reconciliation possible.
“This peaceful resolution has strengthened confidence in our traditional institutions and reaffirmed that dialogue, mutual respect and due process remain the surest path to resolving differences. We deeply appreciate the Ughelli North Traditional Rulers Council, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, the Okpara of Ogwa and every stakeholder whose contributions made this reconciliation possible. With this chapter behind us, Orogun Kingdom can now move forward with renewed unity, stability and a shared commitment to sustainable development,” Opone said.