BENUE LEADERSHIP CRISIS ERUPTS IN OWUKPA AS CHIEFS REJECT IMPOSITION OF WARD HEAD

A leadership crisis has emerged in Itabono Ward 2 of Owukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Benue State, following the rejection of a new Ward Head by traditional chiefs and community elders.

The selection exercise, held on September 15, 2025, at the District Secretariat in Otukpo, was expected to adhere to the established custom of nominating and voting for candidates. However, the process was disrupted amid allegations of manipulation and undue interference.

Leaders of the Itabono Union of Owukpa, alongside local chiefs and elders, accused High Chief Emmanuel Odeh, popularly known as Adah Ogbadibo of Ehaje Ward 1, of attempting to bypass community consensus to install his preferred candidate.

Eyewitnesses and aspirants reported that the High Chief openly declared his chosen successor, preventing elders and chiefs from voting. The development forced organisers to nullify and postpone the exercise.

The situation escalated further when another aspirant, Chief Oliver Onche Obekpa, was disqualified on the grounds that his Och’Idu clan was “not gazetted” to contest for the position. Community leaders have described the disqualification as discriminatory.

In a joint statement, Itabono chiefs and associations insisted that they would not recognise any Ward Head imposed outside the collective decision of the people, and called for a fresh, transparent process.

The atmosphere in the community remains tense as residents await the announcement of a new date for the selection.