Oyibode Chairs Inauguration Of Edjekota-Ogor / Ewu Peace And Reconciliation Committee To Resolve Age-long Boundary Dispute.
By EgbemaVoice
Otor-Udu, Delta State – July 1st, 2025
In a proactive and strategic move aimed at restoring lasting peace and resolving the protracted communal clashes between Edjekota-Ogor in Ughelli North Local Government Area and Otor-Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, the Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun (Hon.) Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, JP FCIA, acting under the directive of the Delta State Government ably led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, chaired and anchored a high-level peace meeting that culminated in the formal inauguration of an eleven-man Peace and Reconciliation Committee.
The historic meeting, which held at the prestigious Brooklyn Hall of the Udu Council Secretariat, drew stakeholders from the affected communities, traditional rulers, youth leaders, security agencies, civil society observers, and community-based organizations. The initiative is part of a larger state government intervention to promote sustainable peace, rebuild trust, and address age-long boundary-related tensions across local government areas.
Joining the Udu Council Chairman, Olorogun Oyibode in this critical assignment were his counterparts—Olorogun Barr. Jaro Movudu Egbo, Ksc, Executive Chairman of Ughelli North LGA, and Dr. Lucky Avweromre, PhD, Executive Chairman of Ughelli South LGA. The three local government helmsmen worked in synergy to jointly inaugurate the committee, which is chaired by Chief Solomon Kpomah, a respected leader known for his conflict resolution pedigree.
The committee's core mandate includes:
Uncovering the remote and immediate causes of the recurring boundary dispute
Conducting thorough fact-finding on incidents of violence and damage
Recommending equitable and lasting solutions to both parties
Advising on modalities for peaceful co-existence and sustained reconciliation
While addressing the gathering, the Udu Council boss, Olorogun Oyibode urged the committee members to commence work immediately, stressing the importance of neutrality, fairness, and confidentiality in handling the sensitive assignment. He emphasized that the committee must operate free from external influence and bias, guided only by facts and the collective interest of peace.
He handed over a formal letter of engagement and a detailed Terms of Reference (ToR), giving the committee a 21-day deadline to carry out its investigations, submit a comprehensive report, and provide actionable recommendations to the Chairmen for onward transmission to the Delta State Government.
Oyibode further warned that if an amicable resolution is not reached through the committee’s intervention, the state government may be left with no option than to take full ownership of the disputed land for overriding public interest and development. He stressed that peace and development go hand in hand, and reiterated the government's zero tolerance for violence, communal unrest, and destruction of lives and property.
In their respective remarks, Barr. Egbo and Dr. Avweromre echoed Oyibode’s position and charged the committee to leave no stone unturned in the course of their assignment. They listed key areas the committee must investigate, including:
The actual number of casualties and lives lost
The number of persons declared missing or displaced
A full inventory of homes, farmlands, and properties destroyed
Verification of historical claims to the disputed lands
Both Chairmen appealed to traditional rulers, youth bodies, women leaders, and family heads from both communities to support the committee by providing truthful, verifiable information and prioritizing peace over sentiments. They expressed optimism that the process, with divine guidance, will restore brotherhood, unity, and peaceful coexistence among the affected people.
The highpoint of the day’s event was the acceptance speech by Chief Solomon Kpomah, who, speaking on behalf of his committee members, thanked the three Chairmen and the state government for the confidence reposed in them. He assured that the committee will work round the clock to deliver on its mandate within the allotted time, pledging transparency, dedication, and commitment to justice and reconciliation.
The inauguration ended with prayers for peace, safety, and wisdom as the committee begins its crucial assignment.
**PRESS UNIT, OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF UDU LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL.**
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