Odidi Community Debunks Alleged Dissolution of Preye Okirikpa Led Executive, Insists Leadership Remains Intact
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The Odidi Federated Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has dismissed as false and misleading publication alleging that Prince Preye Okirikpa led executive has been dissolved by security agencies and local government authorities.
In a public disclaimer issued on Tuesday and signed by the Community Executive Secretary, Mr. Clement Numah, the community described the report as a “calculated attempt” by opposing elements to destabilise the legitimate leadership of the community, confirming that Prince Preye Okirikpa remains the chairman of Odidi community.
The disputed publication had claimed that the Burutu Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Warri South-West, and the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, jointly dissolved the executive committee led by Prince Preye Okirikpa over the alleged expiration of its tenure.
However, the community leadership firmly refuted the claim, stating that no such decision was taken by any security agency or government authority.
“The claims are entirely false, misleading, and a gross misrepresentation of facts. At no point did the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, or the local government chairman dissolve the Odidi Community Executive,” the statement read.
The community explained that at a duly convened congress held on March 15, 2026, members unanimously resolved to extend the tenure of the current executive and commence the process of drafting a formal constitution for the community.
It further revealed that the leadership had earlier petitioned the Burutu Area Command to intervene in maintaining peace following attempts by some individuals to form a parallel executive structure.
According to the statement, a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 27, 2026, involving the Area Commander, the DPO of Ogbe-Ijoh, representatives of the DSS, and the Warri South-West Local Government Chairman, focused on addressing security concerns and ongoing disputes within the community.
The meeting, it noted, deliberated on issues already pending before a court of competent jurisdiction, including a youth-related matter and the leadership dispute within the community. Suit No W/46/2026 and Suit No W/2/2026 respectively
The community emphasised that the matters are sub judice, stressing that no authority present at the meeting made any pronouncement dissolving the executive committee.
“Rather, the community leadership emphasised the need for peace, respect for the rule of law, and the importance of allowing the judicial process to take its course,” the statement added.
The leadership also pointed out that no security agency or local government authority has the legal power to unilaterally dissolve a community executive, particularly on matters already before the court.
It warned that such false claims are capable of inciting unrest and misinforming the public.
Odidi Federated Community, therefore, urged the public and stakeholders to disregard the publication and remain calm and law-abiding.
It further cautioned that any individual or group whose actions lead to a breakdown of law and order in the community would be held accountable.
The statement reaffirmed that the executive committee led by Prince Preye Okirikpa remains the only recognised leadership of the Odidi Federated Community.
