Opuede Community Suspends Chairman, Vice Chairman For Alleged Misappropriation Of Community Funds, Gross Misconduct, Appoints Mr. Sunday Ibime Faraju As Acting Chairman -

By Esther David

The residents of Opuede Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has announced the suspension of Barr. Mackson Ode, the Chairman of Opuede Community, and Mr. Patrick Eko Vice Chairman of Opuede Community for a period of eight months, over an alleged misappropriation of community funds, gross misconduct amidst other allegations.

Details of the suspension of the Chairman, Barr. Mackson Ode and Vice Mr. Patrick Eko was revealed via a press release signed by Chief Williams Tortor, the Amadiwei of Opuede Community who is also a former Chairman of Community and was made available to newsmen on Friday the 24th of October, 2025. A copy of which was sent to Coastal Times News.

Chief Tortor in the release stated that the people of Opuede Community grew tired of what they described as misappropriation of community funds, gross misconduct and other related issues by Barr. Mackson Ode and his Vice Mr. Patrick Eko.

Chief Williams asserted that, the decision to suspend Barr. Mackson Ode and his Vice Mr. Patrick Eko was reached at a community general meeting held on Friday the 24th October, 2025. Where members of the community after deliberating on the several allegations leveled against Barr. Mackson Ode and Mr. Patrick Eko, made a unanimous decision to suspend the duo for a period of eight months. While the community carry out thorough investigations to ascertain the validity of the allegations and to find out the truth.

Chief Tortor also highlighted that immediately after the unanimous decision was made, the Community set up a Five man investigation committee, headed by Mr. Joseph Fred Faraju as Chairman, Mr. Mike Itima as Vice Chairman, Mr. Ayibakuro Orubu as Secretary and three other members.

He said the responsibility of the committee was to carry out a comprehensive investigation and inquiry into the accusations leveled against the suspended Chairman Barr. Mackson Ode and his Vice Mr. Patrick Eko. And to come up with a report of their findings within a period of three months, which is to be presented before the community in a general meeting for final deliberation.

Consequently, understanding the need for the continuous running of the affairs of the community, the community appointed Mr. Sunday Ibime Faraju as acting Chairman of the Community. Who the people saddled with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the community, pending when the investigation committee will conclude their investigation on the allegations made by members of the Community against the former Chairman and Vice Chairman. And a report presented to the community.

Chief Williams in the light of the above, charged the general public to stop every dealings with the suspended Chairman, Barr. Mackson Ode and his Vice Mr. Patrick Eko in the name of the Community, until the investigations are concluded and the suspension is lifted.

He further charged that all Opuede Community related issues and transactions should henceforth, be directed to the acting Chairman Mr. Sunday Ibime Faraju.
While warning against further dealings with the suspended Chairman and Vice. Stating that anyone conducting any business or dealings with them will be doing so at his/her own peril.