Peaceful protesters in Enhwe Community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, have publicly rejected claims that the community supports the blockade of Urri Road or the alleged illegal levy collection from businessman High Chief Victor Wayles Egukhawhore by the son of the traditional ruler, Prince Larry Eduvie Efekodha. The demonstration, led by community elders, women, and youth, including Secretary of the Elders’ Council Michael Akpakpa, condemned the actions of Prince Larry Eduvie Efekodha and denied any involvement in the road blockade or the false narrative surrounding the arrest of the monarch. Protesters carried placards demanding justice and clarity, with messages such as “Prince Larry Eduvie Efekodha is not representing Enhwe,” “Enhwe does not belong to Efekodha family,” and “High Chief Victor Wayles Egukhawhore is our beloved son.”
The community emphasized that the forceful collection of development fees, commonly known as “deve,” is strictly prohibited under the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018. The law explicitly forbids community leaders, youth groups, or individuals from demanding or collecting any levy, fee, or rate from property owners and developers, including the 10% land sales fee. Elder Michael Akpakpa stated that Enhwe stands firmly with High Chief Victor Wayles Egukhawhore, who has contributed significantly to the community’s infrastructural development. Chief Oyibo Omare, spokesperson for the Elders’ Council, reiterated that the community has no involvement in the blockade and is not under the control of the monarch’s children.
Landowners Mr Idisi Omoyibo and Mr Ememerakpo Amata confirmed that they leased upland areas to High Chief Victor Wayles Egukhawhore for use as a sand dump site, while the stream remains community property, not under the control of HRM Anthony Onomuefe Efekodha, Ejuzi 11. A statement from the President-General of the Enhwe Clan Development Association, Dr Emmanuel Okworigho, and Secretary General Michael Omo-Odudu, clarified that the alleged arrest of the monarch is false and malicious. They explained that HRM Anthony Efekodha is currently incapacitated and unable to appear publicly, and his son, Prince Larry Eduvie Efekodha, has been unlawfully usurping the powers of the stool.
The statement further revealed that Prince Larry Eduvie Efekodha was arrested by security agencies for his role in collecting money from companies operating in the community and attempting to position himself as President-General. The monarch remains on the throne and has not been arrested. The community highlighted that Dr Emmanuel Okworigho is the legally recognized President-General, duly elected under the Delta State Regulation of Community Development Association Law, 2021. His executive team holds a Certificate of Recognition from the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community & Social Development, Asaba, the statutory authority for CDAs in the state. Any claim of an “interim President-General” outside this legal process is considered illegal and void.
The community also dismissed reports of the arrest of youth and women leaders as false, stating that those individuals are no longer recognized as official leaders and were arrested alongside Prince Larry Eduvie Efekodha for unlawfully blocking a community road. Enhwe leaders demand that Mr Akpobome Paul Emiyede and his group retract their false statements and issue a public apology within 48 hours. Failure to comply will lead to civil and criminal action for defamation, impersonation, and acts likely to cause a breach of peace under Nigerian law. The protest underscores a growing demand for transparency, legal compliance, and respect for community leadership structures in Delta State.
Leave a Comment