Sapele-Okpe Youths Protest, Give Chairman 48-Hour Ultimatum to Resign

Youths from Sapele-Okpe community in Delta State came out en masse to stage a peaceful protest on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, demanding the removal of the community chairman, Chief Onoriode Temiagin. The demonstrators marched through the streets with placards bearing inscriptions like “Temiagin Must Go,” calling for a leadership review and accusing the chairman of failing to govern in the best interests of the people.

Youth leader Ovo Abeke explained that the protest followed a vote of no confidence passed at a community meeting, insisting the chairman step down within 48 hours to allow for a peaceful transition. While the protest remained orderly, Abeke warned that further action would be taken if their demands were not met, citing concerns over recent amendments to the community’s constitution and the controversial recognition of a “fifth quarter.”

Community leaders, including Senator Ede Dafinone, voiced support for the youths’ call for transparency. Speaking at a gathering on March 1, Senator Dafinone revealed that the Community Land Trust had repeatedly requested a copy of the amended constitution from Chief Temiagin for over a year but had yet to receive it. He also cautioned that any structural changes should be carefully considered in light of a pending Supreme Court case regarding a land dispute involving the community.