The crisis engulfing Okpella community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State is taking a more troubling dimension, as Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens level a series of weighty allegations against Acting Chairman Sunny Ekpetika and openly indict Tunde Ajie over what they describe as a pattern of illegality, abuse of process, and calculated disregard for both tradition and the rule of law.
In a detailed statement that raises serious governance and legal concerns, the group alleged that Ekpetika played a complicit role in the controversial events of May 10, 2025—an incident they claim was marked by the strategic deployment of security operatives into the community under questionable pretenses. According to them, the presence of armed personnel created an atmosphere of fear, effectively suppressing protests and enabling the enforcement of decisions that lacked legitimacy among the people.
Rather than weaken resistance, however, the stakeholders insist the incident became a turning point—galvanizing unity across Okpella and reinforcing a collective resolve to resist what they described as the systematic erosion of their customs and traditional institutions.
The group also acknowledged the role of Integrity Advocacy For Development Initiative in pushing for transparency within the local government, describing its interventions as critical in exposing governance lapses. They pledged to intensify civic pressure for accountability, expressing confidence that Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, would encourage actions that would uphold due process and lawful governance.
More troubling, according to the statement, are allegations that Ekpetika has continued to act in defiance of subsisting court rulings. His reported endorsement of disputed actions during a meeting at the residence of Mike Sado was cited as evidence of a broader pattern of institutional disregard.
The group further raised concerns over Ekpetika’s alleged confrontational posture toward the management of Dangote Cement, warning that such actions risk creating regulatory uncertainty and discouraging investment in a community heavily reliant on industrial activity for jobs and economic stability.
Adding to the controversy are claims of irregularities in a 400 scholarship scheme. The stakeholders alleged that the process was compromised, with beneficiaries reportedly including non-indigenes—an assertion they claim was tacitly confirmed by Ekpetika. They also pointed to discrepancies such as bank account mismatches, describing the scheme as potentially riddled with administrative manipulation. Legal proceedings, they said, are imminent.
Tunde Ajie: Allegations of Contempt and Impersonation Intensify
If the allegations against Ekpetika raise governance concerns, those against Tunde Ajie strike at the heart of legal compliance and institutional integrity.
The group accused Ajie of deliberately and persistently usurping authority by parading himself as Chairman of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) despite legal issues that affected the renewal of CDA resulting to clear and subsisting court orders mandating all parties to maintain the status quo.
Describing his actions as “calculated and defiant,” the stakeholders alleged that Ajie has continued to issue directives, engage corporate actors, and exercise powers tied to an office he never legally occupies. They argue that this pattern of conduct not only violates the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act but constitutes a direct challenge to judicial authority.
According to the statement, Ajie’s continued actions amount to contempt of court and criminal impersonation—offences they say cannot be ignored in any system that claims to uphold the rule of law. They further alleged that his activities are contributing to instability within the community, as parallel structures of authority create confusion and tension.
The group maintained that, pending the renewal of the expired CDA, only Barrister John Okodo holds a legitimate mandate to act in that capacity, insisting that any recognition of Ajie by corporate or government actors would amount to complicity in illegality.
They called on regulatory authorities, security agencies, and corporate organizations to take immediate notice and disengage from any dealings with Ajie in an official capacity, warning that failure to do so could expose such entities to legal and reputational risks.
Concluding, the Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens signaled a shift from advocacy to action, vowing to pursue coordinated legal challenges and institutional petitions aimed at holding all actors accountable.
Efforts to reach out to Sunny Ekpetika and Tunde Ajie prove abortive as at the time of filling this report.
