The Sapele Itsekiri Aboriginal Communities Forum has rejected a reported directive suspending burials, traditional marriages and weddings from November 13 to 22, 2026, ahead of the 20th coronation anniversary of the Orodje of Okpe, Major-General Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), also known as Orhue I. The forum insists that the restriction does not apply to Itsekiri communities in Sapele, arguing that they do not fall under the authority of Udogun Okpe and that their traditional allegiance is to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
Key Highlights
- The Sapele Itsekiri Aboriginal Communities Forum has rejected a reported restriction on burials and weddings from November 13 to 22, 2026.
- The restriction is reportedly connected to the Orodje of Okpe’s 20th coronation anniversary.
- The forum argues that Itsekiri communities in Sapele do not fall under Udogun Okpe’s authority.
- The group says lawful burials and weddings will continue in the affected period, subject to the Constitution.
- The forum has called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and security agencies to prevent possible clashes.
- Udogun Okpe had not publicly responded to the forum’s letter as of Friday.
- The Delta State Government and police had not publicly outlined a security plan for the anniversary period.
Itsekiri Forum Rejects Reported Restriction on Burials and Weddings
The forum made its position known in an open letter dated October 8 and published on October 9, 2026. The letter was addressed to Okakuro O. P. Biadoyo, secretary of Udogun Okpe, the Okpe Supreme Council.
It was signed by the forum’s president, Olayemi Uroye, and secretary, Uwaosayemi Victor Oyewumi, in response to a document described as a “re-programme of events” letter dated October 7, with reference number C.A.473/41, reportedly circulated to district heads.
According to the forum, the letter announced restrictions on burial ceremonies, traditional marriages and weddings between November 13 and 22, 2026, in areas allegedly covered by the authority of the Orodje of Okpe during his 20th coronation anniversary.
However, the October 7 letter was not released alongside the forum’s response, leaving the precise wording and scope of the reported restriction unclear.
Forum Says Itsekiri Communities Are Not Under Udogun Okpe
The forum said it had no objection to the Orodje of Okpe’s anniversary celebrations but opposed what it considers an attempt to extend the restrictions to Itsekiri communities in Sapele.
It listed Obontie, Ajimele, Ugbekoko, Aja-Ojigwo, Aja-Sagay, Idale-Ugbeyiyi, Ogun-Aja, Ugbeyiyi, Otoniyatsere and Ogorode, among other communities, as places whose residents, it argues, do not fall under Udogun Okpe’s authority.
The group maintained that the communities’ traditional allegiance is to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
It argued that a directive issued by Udogun Okpe could not automatically bind the communities without lawful authority or their consent.
The forum further stated that residents would continue to conduct lawful burials and weddings during the specified period, subject to the provisions of the Constitution.
It also cited Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protects the right to peaceful assembly and association, in support of its position.
Orodje’s Anniversary Programme Includes Events Across Sapele
The Orodje of Okpe’s 20th coronation anniversary is scheduled to begin on November 13, 2026, with activities outlined in a programme previously signed by Chief Michael Affe and Chief Akpobecha O. Napoleon.
The programme includes prayers, a golf tournament at the Sapele Athletic Club, events in Orerokpe, football and cultural displays at the Sapele Township Stadium on November 18, title-related activities on November 20 and a grand finale at the palace.
The published programme does not itself contain a stated ban on burials or weddings.
The distinction is central to the dispute, as the forum’s objection concerns the reported restriction rather than the anniversary celebration itself.
Historical and Land Ownership Claims Remain Contested
The forum also advanced historical arguments to support its position on the identity and status of the communities.
It claimed that a Delta State Government white paper on the Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve recognised Obontie, Ugbekoko and Aja-Ojigwo as Itsekiri communities and identified Uton-Iyatsere as an Itsekiri settlement.
The group also referred to the 1943 West African Court of Appeal case, Chief Ayomano & Another v. Ginuwa II, arguing that the judgment concerned a specific parcel of land and should not be interpreted as establishing Okpe ownership over all of present-day Sapele.
However, some Okpe commentators have reportedly interpreted the judgment and the historical reference to a township parcel of approximately 510 acres differently.
The competing historical and land-related claims are not resolved by the forum’s letter alone. Establishing their legal implications would require examination of the original judgment, relevant land records and the government white paper.
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Forum Alleges Incursion in Ogun-Aja Community
The Sapele Itsekiri Aboriginal Communities Forum also alleged that people it identified as Okpe entered Ogun-Aja on October 3, 2026.
The allegation has not been independently established, and no response from the individuals or group accused has been made public.
The forum called on both sides to avoid inflammatory statements and urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and security agencies to take note of the dates surrounding the anniversary and prevent anyone from taking the law into their own hands.
It concluded its letter with the warning: “A stitch in time saves nine.”
Calls for Government and Police to Address Security Concerns
The dispute has raised questions about how the reported restriction would be enforced and whether it was intended to apply only to communities under Udogun Okpe’s authority.
As of Friday, Udogun Okpe had not publicly responded to the forum’s letter, while the Delta State Government and police had not announced a specific security plan for the anniversary period.
The forum’s position is that Itsekiri communities in Sapele should not be subjected to restrictions issued by an authority they do not recognise as having jurisdiction over them.
The next steps depend partly on the publication and clarification of the October 7 letter, including the areas covered by the reported restriction and the authority under which it was issued.
With anniversary activities scheduled to begin on November 13, clarification from the relevant traditional institutions, state authorities and security agencies could help address the dispute before the celebrations commence.
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