Africa-Press – Nigeria. A fresh leadership crisis has erupted in Owukpa’s Itabono Ward 2, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, after traditional chiefs and elders rejected what they allege was an attempt to impose a new Ward Head.
The selection meeting, held on September 15, 2025, at the District Secretariat in Otukpo, was expected to follow the long-standing custom of nominating and voting for aspirants. Instead, the process descended into chaos amid accusations of manipulation and autocratic interference.
Community sources and video evidence show that the Itabono Union of Owukpa (OUO), alongside local chiefs and elders, opposed alleged meddling by High Chief Emmanuel Odeh popularly known as “Adah Ogbadibo” from Ehaje Ward 1. Odeh was accused of bypassing community consensus to install a preferred candidate.
One aspirant said the High Chief openly declared his chosen successor, effectively sidelining the will of the people. Elders and chiefs were reportedly prevented from voting or lining up behind their candidates, prompting organisers to nullify and postpone the exercise.
Tensions rose further when another aspirant, Chief Oliver Onche Obekpa, was barred from contesting on the grounds that his Och’Idu clan is “not gazetted” to hold the post, a move critics describe as discriminatory.
In a joint statement, Itabono chiefs and community associations vowed they would not recognise any ward head imposed outside their collective decision and demanded a fresh, transparent selection.
The situation remains tense as residents await the announcement of a new date for the exercise.
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