By Our Investigator
An undercurrent of tension is spreading through Otor-Udu Community in Delta State as allegations of external interference in the community’s leadership election spark fears of instability and a possible breach of peace.
Community leaders accuse Chief John U.Oguma, a non-indigene, of attempting to derail the ongoing process for electing officers into the Executive Committee of the Otor-Udu Community Development Association (CDA), ahead of elections scheduled for February 10, 2026.
Alleged Interest in General Secretary Position
According to the General Secretary of Otor-Udu Community, Comrade Sopian A. Dominic, the controversy centres on the position of General Secretary, for which Mr. Ese Eric Kpomah, Chief Oguma’s brother-in-law, is one of three aspirants.
Community sources allege that Chief Oguma, who is from Ovwor-Olomu, has been lobbying influential persons through intermediaries to make his preferred candidate the sole aspirant.
“When it became clear that the people would not accept imposition, the tactics allegedly shifted,” Dominic said.
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Chief Oguma allegedly engaged a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Ayo Asala, to file a motion ex-parte seeking an interim injunction to stop the elections.
The development reportedly caused widespread concern among elders, youths, and women groups within the community.
“This is how crises begin in communities,” said Chief Okobor Eradiri, a respected elder in Otor-Udu. “When outsiders attempt to influence who leads us, it undermines our customs and our peace. We have resolved our differences internally for decades without court battles.”
Community Insists on Due Process
Leaders of Otor-Udu insist that the electoral process complies strictly with the Delta State Regulation of Community Development Associations Law, 2021, and that the community is duly registered with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development.
A senior community official, who asked not to be named, stated:
“We have fulfilled every legal requirement. There is no justification to suspend an election that has followed the law from the beginning.”
Youths Warn Against Imposition
The youth wing of the community has also voiced strong opposition to any perceived manipulation of the process.
Mr. Tega Omonigho, a youth leader, said young people were committed to peace but would resist injustice.
“We are not fighting anyone, but we will not accept imposition. Leadership should come from the ballot, not from money or connections. If this election is stopped unjustly, it will create anger among the youths.”
Women Leaders Appeal for Calm, Fairness
Women leaders in the community have appealed for restraint while insisting on fairness.
Mrs. Roseline Efeotor, leader of the Otor-Udu Women Forum, expressed concern about the growing tension.
“As mothers, we don’t want trouble in our community. We are pleading that the election be allowed to hold peacefully. Anything that disrupts harmony affects our children and families first.”
Another women leader added that excluding community voices could worsen divisions.
“When people feel sidelined, resentment grows. We want peace, but peace must be built on fairness.”
The community is calling on the Delta State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, and relevant security agencies to intervene and prevent actions capable of destabilizing the area.
“Otor-Udu has enjoyed peace for years,” Comrade Dominic said. “We are urging the authorities to protect that peace by ensuring that our lawful electoral process is not hijacked.”
As of the time of filing this report, Chief John U. Oguma and Dr. Ayo Asala, SAN, had not responded to repeated requests for comments. This medium remains open to publishing their reactions in line with journalistic fairness.