The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Majesty Orhue I, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), on Saturday went ahead with the foundation laying ceremony of the Okpe Kingdom Sub-Palace in Sapele, Delta State, despite strong objections and warnings issued by the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan.
The ceremony, held in Sapele as earlier scheduled, followed days of heightened tension and public exchanges over the ownership of Sapele and the authority of the Okpe traditional institution in the town. The Alema had, in a widely circulated public notice, cautioned the Orodje against proceeding with the project, warning that any action outside what he described as a 510-acre land area allegedly granted to the Okpe in a historic court judgment could trigger a communal crisis.
Defying the warning, the Orodje arrived at the site amid traditional rites, chants, and a strong show of support from Okpe chiefs, elders, youths, and supporters who thronged the venue. The atmosphere was largely celebratory, with cultural displays and expressions of loyalty underscoring what supporters described as a historic moment for the Okpe Kingdom in Sapele.
Addressing attendees, the monarch reaffirmed that Sapele remains an integral part of Okpe ancestral land and described the sub-palace as a symbol of cultural continuity, administrative presence, and unity of the Okpe people. He stressed that the project was conceived to strengthen traditional governance and preserve heritage, not to provoke any ethnic group or undermine peaceful coexistence in the area.
Supporters of the project hailed the monarch’s decision to proceed as an affirmation of Okpe identity and history, insisting that the sub-palace was long overdue. Many described the foundation laying as a peaceful and lawful exercise carried out within Okpe territory, dismissing claims that the move amounted to encroachment or provocation.
Security presence was noticeable around the venue, as authorities took precautionary measures to ensure that the event proceeded without incident. No violence or disruption was reported, and activities concluded peacefully.
Meanwhile, the development has further intensified debate across Delta State, with political and cultural commentators weighing in on the long-standing Okpe–Itsekiri land and boundary dispute. While Okpe groups have reiterated calls for dialogue based on historical facts and legal clarity, Itsekiri voices continue to insist that the issue of Sapele’s ownership remains unresolved.
Observers warn that the successful foundation laying, though peaceful, underscores the need for restraint and responsible leadership on all sides, as unresolved historical grievances continue to resurface through symbolic projects and public declarations.
As the dust settles on the ceremony, attention now turns to possible reactions from the Alema of Warri and other Itsekiri stakeholders, as well as the role of the Delta State Government in ensuring that traditional disputes do not escalate into wider communal tensions.
