By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ugborodo Community Trust, Tenumah Joseph Olori, has said that the Eghare-Aja of Ugborodo Federated Communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Eghare-Daniel Uwawah, “does not have the kind of power he arrogates to himself.”
Tenumah, while addressing newsmen in Warri on Thursday, October 9, emphasized that the five Olare-Ajas the oldest men of Ode-Ugborodo, Ogidigben, Ajudaibo, Madangho, and Ijaghala have the right to set up the Ugborodo Trust.
He maintained that the Ugborodo Community Trust remains the authentic and legitimate governing structure of the community, recognized by the elders and backed by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“The Ugborodo Trust is the legitimate body for community administration. Once there is a substantive Trust in place, any other form of organization whether called a committee or by any other name ceases to exist,” Tenumah stated.
He dismissed reports of crisis and alleged military interference in the community, describing such claims as false and unfounded. According to him, his emergence as Chairman marked one of the most peaceful transitions in the community’s history.
“It was one of the best transitions that has ever happened in our community a smooth handover from the outgoing Trust executive to the new incoming executive,” he said.
The Trust Chairman explained that the so-called management committee previously in existence was a child of necessity created only to avoid a leadership vacuum but had since become irrelevant.
Tenumah condemned what he described as the uncivilized attitude of individuals who still resort to protests and intimidation rather than dialogue and lawful engagement.
“We live in an era where people should engage through intellectual and legal means, not through demonstrations or intimidation. At the so-called joint conference they held, women and shop owners were coerced to participate. That is not in line with the laws or norms of engagement,” he said.
Responding to allegations that his group represents diaspora elements barred from entering Ugborodo, the Trust Chairman maintained that his team is the only legally recognized leadership, and they are in charge.
“Those claims are false. The unveiling of our Trust was conducted by the elders of the five kindred communities and endorsed by the Registered Trustees of the Ugborodo Community Trust. Out of nine trustees, six signed for us. That makes us the authentic and legitimate Trust,” he said.
He accused certain wealthy individuals of holding the community hostage for personal benefits.
“Some people have controlled Ugborodo for over six years because they gain from it. They fear that once a new leadership emerges, they will lose access to the community’s resources,” he alleged.
Tenumah also denied reports that the Trust invited the military into the community, insisting that the allegations were fabricated by those benefiting from tension and confusion.
“That one is a lie. Nothing of that nature actually happened. Rather, we stand a better chance to accuse them of doing that,” he said.
He cited the case of Mr. G.Te. Brown, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ugborodo Community Trust, whose legitimate business arrangements were wrongfully politicized.
“Mr. Brown, in the course of his business, applied for and obtained approval for a reasonable number of armed personnel to protect his business base at Escravos. Even this morning, they went there protesting that the personnel should be evacuated. But those personnel were properly applied for and approved by the appropriate naval authority from Bayelsa,” he explained.
He further revealed that the protest was orchestrated by loyalists of a rival faction.
“Those are the thugs they mobilized. The person instigating them is an indigene who happens to be one of the sponsors of that phantom committee,” Tenumah said.
He emphasized that Mr. Brown’s security arrangements were lawful and backed by an existing memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Navy.
“Mr. Brown actually has an MOU with the Navy that allows him to request personnel whenever he needs security for his business units. He followed the proper channel and did nothing wrong,” he added.
Explaining why the inauguration of the Trust was held outside Ugborodo, the Chairman said the decision was taken to avoid confrontation and maintain peace.
“Some powerful individuals have used their influence to prevent others from entering Ugborodo. But like every nation has an embassy, Ugborodo House is our own ‘embassy.’ Even if they bar us from the community, we will continue our legitimate activities peacefully,” he said.
He added that the Trust leadership deliberately refrained from entering the community to prevent violence.
“We can go in, but we have restrained ourselves. If we enter and they challenge us, it could escalate into a crisis. We mean well for the community,” he noted.
On allegations of tampering with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documents, Tenumah dismissed the claims as false.
“Tampering with documents is a criminal offense. We have not done such a thing. The Ugborodo Community Trust is a legal entity registered with the CAC. Our structure rests on the Registered Trustees and the five kindred elders who endorsed us,” he said.
He reiterated that his administration is focused on peace, unity, and sustainable development for Ugborodo.
“Only unity can bring peace, and only peace can bring sustainable development. We are calling on men of goodwill to speak the truth and help restore peace,” he said.
The Trust Chairman listed education, healthcare, and shoreline protection as key priorities of his administration.
“Our only secondary school is in a deplorable condition and needs urgent attention. The health system is weak, and we also need to protect our shoreline. Without protecting our land, development will be meaningless,” he said.
Tenumah appealed to journalists to report issues concerning Ugborodo objectively and truthfully.
“Evil thrives when good men remain silent. I call on the press to report objectively. I am not taking sides I’m simply stating the truth as the Chairman of the Ugborodo Community Trust,” he concluded.