Opuede Federated Community Elders Tackles Group Faulting Suspension Of Community Chairman, Vice, Says The Decision For Suspension Was Reached At Community General Meeting

•••••Urges General Public To Disregard Publication Of The Faceless Group

By Ebiowei Gabriel

Clarifying the Suspension of the Opuede Federated Community Chairman and the Vice Chairman. 

We the undersigned Elders of Opuede Federated Community, wish to address the recent publication by the faceless group calling themselves, Opuede Community Dwellers, which suggests that the suspension of the Chairman and the Vice Chairman on October 24th 2025, was executed as part of a coup. We find it necessary to correct this misrepresentation and reaffirm the legitimacy of the suspension process.

1. Transparency in Process: The suspension of the Chairman and the Vice Chairman, followed a structured and transparent process in accordance with our community’s established governance principles. The decision was made during a duly convened general meeting, by the Amadiwei of OpuedeFederated Community – Chief (Amb) Williams Tortor, where all members were invited to participate.

2. Adherence to Governance Principles: The suspension was grounded in documented concerns regarding financial impropriety and the dissemination of misleading information to cabinet members. These issues were first communicated to the Chairman, who was given the opportunity to respond before any action was taken. Several entreats were made to him to clear the air over the allegations of financial impropriety, but he failed to turn up. 

3. Democratic Decision-Making: The decision to suspend the Chairman was not taken lightly. It required the consensus of community members present at the meeting, demonstrating that it was a collective decision rather than an act of opposition or a coup. The Chairman and his executive members pleaded for the suspension to be reduced from the initial one year, handed down by the community. Pictorial evidence abounds and it was done before all present in the general meeting. 

4. Right to Fair Hearing: The principles of natural justice were upheld throughout the process. The Chairman was provided a fair opportunity to address the concerns raised against him prior to the vote on his suspension. Whereas, he had informed members of his executive that what he received from NGC was ₦9m, however in the general meeting he disclosed that what was paid into his account was ₦20.9m. This contradicts the statement he has made earlier. 

5. Community Support: The majority of community members present at the meeting expressed their support for the suspension, reflecting a legitimate concern for the stewardship and integrity of our community leadership. These includes the Chiefs, Elders, Youths and Women group. 

6. Promoting Unity and Progress: We encourage all residents to focus on the well-being of our community. This is a time for unity and constructive dialogue, not division or misinformation.Decisions reached in a general meeting, should not be contested by a hand full of persons, who themselves, were present in the general meeting – this is an after thought. 

In conclusion, we strongly refute the claims made by the faceless Opuede Community Dwellers. Our governance process remains transparent, accountable, and rooted in the principles that guide our community. We call on all members of Opuede federated Community to remain focused on fostering a collaborative and respectful atmosphere as we work together for the benefit of all.

Signed for Opuede Federated Community Elders:

Pa. Edward Tortor

Elder Richard Tortor

Chief Priest Thomas Abofe

Elder Emmanuel Jemibor

Chief Helen Faraju

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