The suspension of Uwheru kingdom, president general, Chief MacPherson Igbedi has been reaffirmed by the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo after the meeting of both parties with the council chairman in his office.
Chief MacPherson Igbedi, the president general of Uwheru kingdom, was accused of financial misappropriation and abuse of office by the youth body of Uwheru, an allegation that was denied by the embattled president.
At the meeting held at the office of Ughelli North Local Government Council Chairman, that was attended by the traditional ruler of Uwheru kingdom, HRM Simpson Obrutche, Chiefs and stakeholders, the president general was mandated to hand over to his vice, Mr Oghenekevwe to act.
It was learned that the embattled president was accused of running the community financial transactions in his name and personal account.
The meeting also had in attendance the representatives of Setraco construction company.
Speaking on behalf of one faction, the Secretary General of UDU, Chief Edewor Akpedafe, outlined a series of allegations against Chief Igbedi which includes, inciting intra-community conflict over land disputes, unilaterally allocating job slots without consulting quarter chairmen, unauthorized sale of construction materials from project sites, and sidelining the palace and other executive members in critical matters involving oil companies such as Heritage Energy and OML 30.
Chief Akpedafe also alleged that Chief Igbedi acted without the consent of His Royal Majesty, Ajuwe Simpson Sapele Obruche (ACG), Obruche II, Odion r’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom, and consistently failed to brief the palace on his decisions. He further accused him of awarding surveillance and contract slots meant for indigenous youths to close allies, while allegedly collecting kickbacks in the process.
Chief Igbedi who denied the allegations leveled against him held that his actions as President General were rooted in equity and fairness.
He accused his detractors of launching a politically motivated campaign to discredit his leadership and foment unrest in the community, including orchestrating protests against him and Setraco Nigeria Limited.
In line with this decision, the Council directed Chief Igbedi to hand over all union documents and official materials in his possession to the Vice President General, Mr. Oghenerukevwe, who will now serve as Acting President General of UDU until further notice.
“I will submit a comprehensive report of today’s meeting to His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,.
“If the Governor decides on reinstatement, we will comply. But until such directive is given, the suspension remains in force.”
“Any act of sabotage or attempt to obstruct these projects will be treated as a criminal offence,” Egbo warned. “Blocking federal highways or stopping development projects is a serious offence that may amount to treasonable misdemeanour.”
The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, the rule of law, and sustainable development across all communities in Ughelli North.
