By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
DELTA: A prominent Itsekiri charitable organization, Ugbajo Itsekiri USA Inc., has dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement and constitutional violations leveled against it by the Itsekiri National Congress (INC) USA, led by Otse Amorighoye.
The group insists on its legitimacy and transparency while expressing openness to reconciliation.
Speaking with journalists in Delta, Ugbajo Itsekiri USA President, Jemine Okotie-Yesin, refuted the accusations, stating that the organization regularly presents quarterly financial records to maintain transparency.
He described the claims as an attempt to undermine the association’s leadership.
He said, “The allegations are baseless. We operate with full accountability and have always provided financial records to ensure transparency,” Okotie-Yesin said.
He further revealed that INC USA had set up an interim government, which he described as unconstitutional, and attempted to take control of Ugbajo Itsekiri USA. This led to a legal dispute in Columbia, USA, where the court ruled in favor of Ugbajo Itsekiri USA, affirming the legitimacy of its leadership.
Okotie-Yesin also alleged that INC USA presented false documents to the bank in an effort to take over the organization’s accounts. Despite several attempts to resolve the dispute amicably, he said the crisis remains unresolved.
On the possibility of reconciliation, he emphasized that Ugbajo Itsekiri USA remains open to reuniting with members of the INC but under the proper process.
“Our door remains open. The way to rejoin the association is through your local chapters. If anyone wishes to return as one family, they should apply through the appropriate channels,” he stated.
Beyond the leadership tussle, Okotie-Yesin reaffirmed Ugbajo Itsekiri USA’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, highlighting a recent medical outreach in Warri, where over 200 cataract patients received free medical and surgical treatment.
He added that the next phase of the outreach would target riverine communities, underscoring the organization’s dedication to improving the lives of the Itsekiri people.