Thousands of youths in the Sapele-Okpe Community of Sapele, Delta State, on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, staged a peaceful protest calling for a review of the leadership of the community chairman, Chief Onoriode Temiagin.

The demonstrators, who converged as early as 8:00 a.m., marched through major streets chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We Don’t Have a Fifth Quarter,” “Temiagin Must Go,” and “This Is Sapele-Okpe Community, Not Temiagin Community.” The protest remained orderly, with participants insisting their action was aimed at drawing attention to concerns over community governance.

Speaking during the protest, a youth leader, Ovo Abeke, said the demonstration followed a vote of no confidence reportedly passed at a community meeting on Sunday. “The decision was that he should no longer lead this community. His leadership has not been beneficial to the Sapele-Okpe people. He should step aside and allow peace to return,” Abeke said. He added that the youths were requesting that steps be taken within 48 hours to address their concerns and initiate a leadership transition process in line with community procedures.

Abeke further stated that the protest was not intended to disrupt peace. “We are not here to destroy our community; we are here to repair it. Without the youths, there is no community. If no fresh leader is presented, we will take further action,” he said. He also raised concerns about reported amendments to the community constitution, particularly the recognition of a fifth quarter in addition to the long-standing four-quarter structure, noting that constitutional changes should involve broad consultation.

Sapele-Okpe Community Youth President, Obomine Ekariko, also expressed reservations about the administration of youth affairs, stating that the youths desired greater inclusion in decision-making processes. He called for dialogue and transparency in matters affecting the community’s structure and resources.

The protest followed a community gathering on March 1, 2026, at Okpe Hall, where concerns were raised over alleged constitutional amendments and the recognition of a fifth quarter. Among those present at the meeting were Senator Ede Dafinone; Chairman of the Community Land Trust, Dr. Kingsley Abeke; Chief G. Dafinone; Ufuoma Atose; and other community stakeholders. Participants reportedly resolved to seek clarification and documentation regarding the amended constitution.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Dafinone disclosed that efforts had been made to obtain a copy of the amended constitution for review. “For over a year, the Trust has requested a copy of the amended constitution so that we can review it, but as I speak to you, Chief Temiagin is yet to make it available,” he said, while asking attendees whether any member had seen the document. The crowd reportedly responded in the negative.

The senator also referenced an ongoing land dispute between the Sapele-Okpe Community and some residents of Otonyasere over land within a Forest Reserve Area. According to him, the matter, which had been decided in favour of the community at the High Court and Court of Appeal, is currently pending before the Supreme Court. He advised that any structural or constitutional decisions should be carefully considered in light of the pending litigation.

Efforts to reach Chief Temiagin for comment were unsuccessful, as calls placed to him were not answered at the time of filing this report. Community leaders, however, indicated that they intend to formally engage the chairman through representatives of the four quarters to allow him respond to the issues raised before determining the next steps.