Ibusa, Delta State — A wave of protests has erupted in the Ibusa community, located in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, following what many describe as the “unlawful imposition” of an Interim Youth Committee by the traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Chelunor Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa, and the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Innocent Esewezie.
The protest was led by angry youths who claimed the interim committee was formed without following the constitutionally recognized process outlined in the Ibusa Youths Council Constitution. According to Section 13 of the constitution, only the outgoing Youth President and his committee have the right to set up the electoral body responsible for conducting youth elections.
However, to the shock of many, the Obuzor’s palace announced on May 26, 2025, the formation of a new interim electoral committee — allegedly led by the Obuzor’s personal aide — despite an ongoing court case challenging the suspension of the election.
“A Manipulated Process”
The development has sparked concerns about abuse of power and manipulation of democratic processes in the community. Youths and stakeholders believe this move was aimed at handpicking candidates who lack the people’s support, effectively imposing leaders through the back door.
“This is not leadership; it’s dictatorship. You don’t force candidates on us,” said one protesting youth.
Critics of the move argue that the Obuzor has overstepped his constitutional role, which according to the Ibusa Youth Council’s rules, is purely advisory and non-executive. In other words, the traditional ruler has no legal authority to appoint or inaugurate any electoral or interim committee.
ICDU Not Consulted
The Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU), which serves as a parent body to various community structures, including the youth council, expressed shock over the development. According to reports, the ICDU had held several peace meetings with the Obuzor, the youths, and the Local Government Chairman to resolve the ongoing court matter and set the stage for a free and fair election.
Yet, the Obuzor went ahead with the inauguration of the interim committee without informing or involving the ICDU — a move many describe as both disrespectful and damaging to the community’s unity.
Sources revealed that Chief Victor Uchunor, the President General of ICDU, was invited to the palace the same day the committee was announced. However, he allegedly refused to attend, choosing instead to chair the Children’s Day event at St. Thomas College. His absence was seen by many as a silent protest against what he considered an illegal act.
“We Won’t Allow It Stand”
Speaking with journalists, some ICDU members (who asked to remain anonymous) described the interim committee as unlawful and bound to collapse. They stressed that even the Delta State Ministry of Youth Guidelines does not grant power to traditional rulers or council chairmen to interfere in youth elections.
“This action is a total disregard for the rules. If we allow this, it means anyone can hijack community processes at any time,” one youth said.
Another youth added that ignoring due process could lead to unrest, warning that “jettisoning our age-long democratic traditions will only cause division and backwardness.”
Calls for Government Intervention
The situation has become so tense that the entire community is now calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to step in. They want the state government and other authorities to caution the Obuzor and the Local Government Chairman, urging them to respect democratic procedures and avoid creating chaos.
“This is not just about elections,” said Mr. Olema Vincent, Secretary to the Ibusa Youth Council, who spoke to journalists on June 6, 2025. “It’s about respecting our laws, our institutions, and our people.”
At the time of filing this report, attempts to reach the Obuzor of Ibusa and the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Innocent Eseweizie, for their side of the story were unsuccessful.
