Sapele, Delta State – The Okpe Union and the Sapele Okpe Community have expressed strong anger over reports that an Itsekiri elder is being considered for installation as a traditional leader in Sapele. The controversy erupted after the Urhobo Youth Leaders’ Association (UYLA) issued a statement on Sunday, December 7, 2025, warning that the proposed installation would breach historic, cultural and traditional boundaries.
In the statement signed by UYLA National President Olorogun (Amb.) Samuel Onoriode Oghotomo (JP) and National Secretary Olorogun Dr. Augustine Ogheneovo Atiti, the association described the move as “an unacceptable breach of historical, cultural, and traditional boundaries” and warned that it could trigger unnecessary tension in Sapele and surrounding areas. The statement emphasized that Sapele is traditionally an Okpe territory of the Urhobo nation and that no non‑indigenous group has the authority to create or install any traditional title or leadership structure within the town.
“The Okpe people of Urhobo have maintained peaceful coexistence with various ethnic groups residing in Sapele, but the attempt by Itsekiri settlers in Sapele to install an Olaraja/Okpako Orere/Oka Orho is viewed as a deliberate provocation and an encroachment on the cultural sovereignty of the indigenous Okpe Kingdom of the Urhobo,” the statement read.
UYLA called on security agencies, the Delta State Government and relevant traditional institutions to intervene promptly to prevent a breakdown of law and order. “Peace is only possible when every ethnic nationality respects the territorial and cultural rights of the other,” the association added.
The Okpe Union, in a separate release, reiterated that Sapele belongs to the Okpe Kingdom and warned that any attempt to alter its traditional identity would be firmly resisted. Community leaders urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security operatives and await further clarification from the authorities.
The dispute echoes a long‑standing historical contest between the Okpe and Itsekiri over Sapele, a contention that dates back to the colonial era when the Itsekiri Paramount Ruler claimed ownership of the town. The Okpe Union has repeatedly asserted its distinct ethnic and linguistic identity, emphasizing that the Okpe language is a separate Edoid language not a dialect of Urhobo.
As of the time of filing, the Delta State Government had not issued an official response, but security agencies have been alerted to monitor the situation closely. The Okpe Union and UYLA have pledged to pursue peaceful avenues while warning that any attempt to impose an Itsekiri traditional leader on Sapele would be met with strong resistance.
The community remains tense, with residents awaiting further developments and assurances from the authorities that the historic peace and mutual respect among ethnic groups in Sapele will be preserved.
