By Foster Akpore
The President General of Orogun Kingdom, in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Chief Barr. E.T. Opone has officially inaugurated a Truth and Reconciliation Committee aimed at addressing internal tensions and restoring unity among its five subclans.
The initiative comes in the wake of rising calls for secession by Unukpo, Emonu, and Ogwa communities, who are seeking to break away from Umusu and Imodje to form a separate kingdom known as “Orogun Efe Kingdom.” Tensions within the kingdom escalated further following disagreements over the date for the annual cultural festival, with two different dates—April 11th and 19th—being proposed by opposing sides.
In response, Chief Opone, urged for calm and reflection. He stressed the importance of learning from history, referencing the biblical split of Israel after King Solomon’s reign and citing lessons from countries like South Africa, Germany, and Vietnam that achieved healing through truth and reconciliation.
The committee is tasked with investigating the root causes of the conflict, engaging all stakeholders—including elders, youth, women, and traditional leaders—and recommending steps for forgiveness, unity, and the preservation of Orogun’s collective identity.
Chaired by Chief Augustine Jessa Otah of Umusu, the committee includes respected figures from all subclans, such as Chief A.K. Osawota, Chief Francis Omo-Agege, Dr. Philip Itedjere, Dr. Tony Onowhakpo, Chief Ken Enwefah, Chief Dr. Edwin Achugbue, Chief Samuel Ojumah, Dr. Felix Money, Chief Sir Solomon Awero and others. The Christian Association of Nigeria, Orogun chapter is also represented through Rev. Chaplain Joseph Todo and Bishop Prince Osogba, who serves as secretary.
The committee, according to the release, has been given a two-week timeline, starting from April 7, 2025, to complete its assignment. Upon submission of the report to the President General, the PG will convene a meeting of stakeholders across the subclans and the Reconciliation Committee for the presentation and implementation of the report before the Okpara-Uku-in-Council, chaired by His Royal Majesty Joseph Okorocha Emoghene-Osokpa I.
Chief Opone concluded by affirming the kingdom’s commitment to peace, saying, “Let history remember that when Orogun stood at a crossroads, we chose unity over division and dialogue over conflict.”