Ogharefe Council of Chiefs Raises Alarm Over Violence, Attack on Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu

In a powerful and unequivocal statement that reverberates beyond the borders of Delta State, the Ogharefe Council of Chiefs and Elders (Oguedion R’Ogharefe) of Oghara Kingdom has launched a scathing condemnation of the political violence that turned the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress in Ethiope West into a “near-war situation.”

The council’s resolution, a significant intervention from the custodians of the land, focuses on the shocking events of Saturday, February 21, 2026, which included an assassination attempt on the Member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, and left numerous party members injured.

The council’s statement, signed by a formidable slate of senior traditional leaders; Chief Stephen Egbivwie (Unugbrogodo of Ogharefe), Chief Vincent Atumah (Unuevworo), Chief Godwin Oza (Unuevworo), Chief Godwin Erharhe (Unuevworo), and Chief Emmanuel Ajakari (Unuevworo), paints a picture of a deliberate breakdown of order and constitutional values.

They expressed “shock and deep concern” not only at the violence but at the foundational disregard for due process that preceded it.

A core grievance highlighted is the controversial last-minute relocation of the congress venue to Ovade village, a move the council deems suspicious and unacceptable. They firmly assert that the Ogharefe Township Stadium, as the Local Government Area headquarters, is the traditional and consistent venue for such congresses. This abrupt change, they imply, was a tactical maneuver that facilitated the ensuing chaos.

The statement reads in parts; “The Council received with shock and concern credible reports that the said congress, which was relocated to Ovade village only hours before commencement, degenerated into a near-war situation that resulted in injuries inflicted on several persons who are now receiving medical treatment at various hospitals.”

“The Council does not see any justification whatsoever for this action.
The township stadium Ogharefe at the LGA headquarters has consistently served as the venue for all LG party congresses.”

“It is particularly disturbing that a certain group of other eligible political party
members were allegedly denied access to the congress venue, in utter disregard of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) The Council considers such actions inconsistent with the values of respect, unity, and political inclusiveness which is traditionally upheld in our Kingdom.”

The statement continued; “The reported denial of entry and alleged public harassment of legitimate party executives and members is strongly condemned. The Council condemns and will continue to condemn any attempt to turn any part of Oghara Kingdom into a political battleground.”

It expressed; “Total condemnation of violence, the alleged use and brandishing of dangerous weapons, and the
violence that led to multiple injuries, are hereby condemned in it’s entirety.”

“Alleged denial of party members to the congress venue and assault:
The reported denial of entry and alleged public harassment of legitimate party executives and members is strongly condemned. The council condemns and will continue to condemn any attempt to turn any part of Oghara Kingdom into a political battleground.”

Beyond condemnation, the council issued direct cautions and appeals. They warned the youth against being used as pawns for political violence and urged political elites to guard against external forces seeking to sow division. This dual warning strikes at both the foot soldiers and the sponsors of political unrest, calling for collective responsibility.

They however expressed confidence in the relevant organs of government, stating that; “The Council strongly believes that the INEC is capable of conducting credible elections and congresses in the country.”

“We also appreciate the continued developmental efforts of the Federal and State Governments and express confidence in the capacity of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, and the Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori to address intra-party political disputes within our Kingdom with justice, fairness, and integrity.”