…Says there’s no fight among aspirants; community is peaceful

By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BURUTU—The Tuomo community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has reaffirmed its peaceful resolution in electing Chief Ebikapaye Agidee as the Amanana-owei (traditional ruler) from Akerebunou quarters.

This declaration followed claims of unrest during the process, leading to the Burutu council’s intervention with an interim leadership.

According to Pa (Chief) Jacob Osborne Obaka, the eldest man of Akerebunou quarters, the election process was peaceful and unanimous. The traditional stool rotates among the community’s three quarters—Foukonou, Akerebunou, and Ekeremobiri—and it was Akerebunou’s turn to produce the leader.

Pa Obaka explained that a meeting was convened to avoid any disputes and ensure unity. During the meeting:

Three aspirants—Yerindideke Orumienghan, Sawyer Yokoro, and Bomienghan Kemeakegha—stepped down and pledged support for Chief Agidee.

One aspirant, Mr. Arebebe Ebiemi, abstained and pursued legal action. Despite this, the meeting resolved in favor of Chief Agidee, with full support from family heads and community leaders.

Following the resolution, Chief Agidee was ceremonially declared the chosen candidate by Akerebunou quarters, awaiting formal swearing-in by the oldest man of Tuomo.

Chief Agidee dismissed rumors of parading himself as the traditional ruler, emphasizing that he is respecting due process. He assured that the community remains peaceful despite external speculations.

Leaders from Akerebunou quarters also noted that the Tuomo constitution forbids external intervention, like the interim government imposed by Burutu council, in leadership matters.