Elders accuse Egbo of physical attack, financial impropriety, and dishonesty
In a dramatic move that has sparked shockwaves across Delta State, the Abovwe family of Uduere in Ughelli North Local Government Area has suspended the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Chief (Barr) Jaro Omuvudu Egbo, from all family meetings and activities over what they described as gross misconduct, physical assault on elders, and fraudulent conversion of communal property.
The resolution was reached at an extraordinary elders’ meeting held on May 12, 2025, at the Abovwe Hall, Ekrabovwe Quarter in Uduere. The meeting brought together representatives of the family’s four gates—Owhefe, Ogun, Odebor, and Erineyenre—and concluded with a unanimous decision to suspend the embattled council boss until he “purges himself” of the allegations levelled against him.
According to the communique signed by the four gate leaders, Pa. David Oduorere (Owhefe), Pa. Emmanuel Arhern Erhueh (Ogun), Mr. Joseph Egoide (Odebor), and Pa. Emagboro (Erineyenre), Chief Egbo, allegedly physically assaulted family elders in his compound on April 29, 2025, an act the family described as a disgrace and affront to the institution of elderhood.
“He remains suspended from participating in any family meeting or family activity until he purges himself of his gross disrespect and disregard to the family elders whom he physically assaulted,” the statement declared.
Beyond the physical altercation, Egbo is also being accused of multiple acts of financial misconduct involving family land and communal funds:
“Allegedly occupying 11 acres of land despite purchasing only 6 acres from the family.
“Failing to extend electricity poles to Abovwe Quarter after receiving ₦8 million over three years ago for the project. And diverting another ₦8 million realised from the sale of family land in Akpuvanagha.
“Falsely obtaining land under the pretence of building an Anglican church, only to sell the property for personal gain.
“Receiving financial assistance from land proceeds during his difficult times in Abuja, which he has yet to repay.
The family elders also accused Egbo of overstepping his boundaries by threatening the family chairman and attempting to usurp leadership roles in the family hierarchy.
“He has continuously intimidated and threatened to sack the family chairman when he is not the head of the family,” the statement said. “He even threatened to jail the eldest family man who countered him.”
The suspension marks a rare public rebuke of a sitting local government chairman by his own kinsmen and may further fuel ongoing controversies surrounding Egbo’s leadership style.
The elders insisted that Chief Egbo must account for all unreturned funds, provide explanations for the alleged abuse of power, and show genuine remorse before his suspension can be lifted.
As of press time, Chief Egbo has not publicly responded to the allegations, and all efforts to get him to speak were rebuffed.
However, a close associate of the Barr. Jaro Egbo, who spoke to us in confidence, said that corruption is fighting back. He alleged that those fighting the council chairman are elders who want to subvert the community by-law for their personal gain, and the Chairman would not allow them to continue in their wicked ways, hence they are throwing mud at him.
The development raises serious questions about accountability and leadership integrity at the grassroots level, especially at a time when public trust in local governance is being tested across Nigeria.
