The Afiesere community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State is facing tension due to Hon. Julius Efeni Akpovoka’s disruptive behaviour. Community leaders, led by President-General Richard Ovwreghederohwo Aduvie, accuse Akpovoka of causing trouble and intimidating residents.
According to the community, Akpovoka is not from the community and has been filing lawsuits and grabbing land. The community has asked him to leave peacefully, as they will not tolerate his behaviour. They have expressed their support for President General Aduvie, who has maintained peace and progress in the community.
The community wants Akpovoka to either coexist peacefully or return to his hometown, a decision that was reached during a community meeting held at the Afiesere town hall on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with community leaders, led by President-General Olorogun Hon as reported by SouthernVoiceNews.
Richard Ovwreghederohwo Aduvie accused Akpovoka of being a customary tenant and outsider intent on causing chaos. Aduvie, alongside executive members and community elders, emphasized that while Afiesere is known for its hospitality, it will not tolerate persistent litigation and disturbances from tenants.
He pointed out that the community’s governance is constitutionally driven and leadership rotates among its quarters, decided by the zoned families. “Hon. Julius Efeni Akpovoka is from Ovwiamuge Agbarho, not Afiesere. Our hospitality should not be exploited,” Aduvie declared.
Chief Dominic Denedo, the Okpako ‘Orere of Afiesere, stressed that if Akpovoka cannot coexist peacefully, he should leave the community. Denedo highlighted Akpovoka’s numerous court cases against Afiesere, despite not being a resident.
Chief J.E Akponana, the Orosevwohwo of Ughelli Kingdom, echoed this sentiment, urging Akpovoka to either integrate peacefully or return to Uvwiamuge. His actions, according to Akponana, have been disruptive and harmful to the community.
Supporting the leadership, Hon. Chief Ese Emuedo, an Afiesere opinion leader and committed PDP member, reaffirmed the community’s vote of confidence in President General Aduvie. Emuedo praised Aduvie’s leadership, dedication, and transparency for fostering peace and progress.
Even Akpovoka’s elder brother acknowledged his troubling behaviour, including land grabbing and false petitions. He urged the community to support peace-seekers and reject Akpovoka’s disruptive actions.
In conclusion, the Afiesere community has firmly stated that it will not tolerate Hon. Julius Efeni Akpovoka’s disruptive behaviour. They have endorsed President General Richard Ovwreghederohwo Aduvie for his exemplary leadership. As tensions mount, the community awaits Akpovoka’s response, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
