Okere: Ogieboro Esisi hands over authority to Chief Kartey, approves Idimis-based selection process for youth election

The Olare-Aja (Head) of Okere Community in Warri South Local Government Area, Ogieboro E.F. Esisi, has stepped aside, handing over authority of the community to a former Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Chief Kofi Edomi Kartey.

Fresh Angle International, can authoritatively report that Ogieboro Esisi, who is also a Chief in the pristine Warri Kingdom, made the announcement at Okere, Thursday July 10, while addressing a large gathering of Okere indigenes, cutting across different interests.

The Warri Community Head, also approved “the use of the Idimis-based selection process as captured in the current Oma-logho Youth Constitution”, for conduct of youth elections in Okere “to forestall future unrest like that which marred the last youth elections.”

Hon. (Barr.) David Oki (right) reading Ogieboro E.F Esisi’ s address 

Chief Esisi, whose address was read by a legal practitioner and prominent Okere indigene, Hon. David Eyitemi Oki, asserted inter-alia: “ I am your Ogieboro and have called this meeting not only to address you on important issues but for u to realize that age is telling on me. I am getting weaker by the day and unable to perform optimally as I should. Yet we have numerous problems to be attended to. These include cases in the courts viz Chief E.F. Esisi & 10 ors vs Delta State Governor, Edward Nikagbatse vs Scot Uweja, Olu of Warri & Okere Olare-aja vs Delta state Governor, Mr. Eric Kiap vs Ogieboro, Ogieboro vs Barrister Eroro, and other pending issues like boundary encroachment, ward delineation and the dilution of our political strength.

“Our focus must shift to youth employment, Education& scholarships. These are true battles that will uplift Okere.

“As the Olare- Aja, in all my surgeons, I have always worked with the Council of Elders and want to thank them for their unflinching support.

Hon. Omimi Esquire (2nd left) Hon. Godwin Abigor (right) & others

“It is very necessary that the work must continue ceaselessly and hence I must now hand over the baton of authority to someone to continue. In my soul searching for the leadership of the council, I am honestly appointing Chief Kofi Edomi Kartey who has been with me in Lagos and in Warri and at all critical times.

“I pray God to give him the energy and wisdom to carry on as look on.

“As the Ogieboro of the Okere Community, I hold the sacred responsibility of the community's ownership and leadership. This authority, bestowed upon me, is not of recent origin- it has stood unbroken for centuries. I remain deeply grateful to God Almighty, to our ancestors, and to the good people of Okere for the unwavering support you have shown since I assumed this revered position.

“Today, in this important town hall gathering, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation once again. However, I must also address a pressing concern-a needless crisis that could have been avoided through respect for constituted authority, rather than confrontation and defiance. A small group of individuals have made it their mission to oppose every decision of the Ogieboro and the Elders Council. They have chosen selfish ambition over community unity and, for three years, have plunged Okere into strife.

A cross section indigenes of Okere Community, during the meeting

“Efforts were made in Lagos and within the community to mediate and restore order, but these individuals, rejected peace. Let it be known that the Ogieboro's authority has always been respected and unchallenged. I call on the entire community to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be misled.

“Today, I declare that I am open to forgive those who have rebelled against me and my Elders Council. As a father, I look forward to my children who are genuinely remorseful. We shall do the needful for repentance as culture demands.

“Regarding the Awankere Festival, our symbol of unity and cultural pride, I must state clearly that recent actions of disrespect towards my decisions as Ogieboro are unacceptable. Agbugba is a personal title I bestow, and it remains my sole prerogative to determine who bears it. Mr. Monday Uku remains suspended and has since been replaced by Messrs Jolomi Omatsone and Scot Omatsone. Similarly, decisions regarding Ekwosa (Otsogwa-Umale) shall not be altered or undermined. They stand firm in line with my earlier decision.

“To forestall future unrest like that which marred the last youth elections, I hereby approve the use of the Idimis-based selection process as captured in the current Oma-logho Youth Constitution. This is the best practice used in most Itsekiri communities and shall now guide youth leadership emergence in Okere. Fortunately, we happen to be the champion of this process in the past.

“I must also raise alarm over the scourge of illicit drugs and substance abuse in our midst. This evil is devouring the destinies of our young people. I appeal to all parents, guardians, and landlords-do not aid or tolerate this menace. Let us reject it collectively. Without community rejection, this battle cannot be won.

“I call upon every son and daughter of Okere -at home and in the diaspora--to arise and invest in the future of our land. Let us build together. Let us speak with one voice. Let us act in peace, in unity, and with pride in our heritage.

“At this point, I call us to a moment of collective spiritual reflection:

“I offer prayers to God Almighty, the gods of our land, and the spirits of our forebears. May peace reign in Okere. May unity binds us together. May submission to constituted authority be restored in every heart. May we, as one people, turn away from division and walk the path of harmony, discipline, and progress. Let every family, every youth, and every elder align under this banner of peace. May our land be known not for discord, but for unity, dignity, and growth.”

Renowned Itsekiri patriot and leader in Okere Community, Mr. David Iwere, who addressed the newsmen after the meeting, stated: “He (Ogieboro E.F. Esisi) has come of age and has the right to appoint who he wants to appoint.

“This is not how to hold a meeting, when you bring out your points, you allow the audience to air their views. We will go to his house and see him, because I believe this speech was not written by him.

“Today we have democracy. The people have right to vote for who they want, not appointment. The youths want election, not appointment. That is the issue of the youth.”

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