Nigeria’s most historic and influential ethnic organisations, has inaugurated a new Board of Trustees (BoT) in a landmark development aimed at strengthening the governance structure of the union and consolidating its advocacy for unity, cultural identity, and socio-economic progress among the Okpe people.
The historic ceremony took place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Okpe Union National Headquarters, located at No. 65 Moshalashi Street, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos State, drawing together prominent Okpe leaders, stakeholders, and members of the union from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Presiding over the inauguration was the President General of Okpe Union, Prof. Igho Natufe, who described the event as a defining moment in the long and illustrious history of the organisation, widely regarded as the oldest registered ethnic union in Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Natufe stated that the inauguration of the new trustees represents the completion of an important phase in the restructuring of the union’s governance architecture following decisive judicial pronouncements that affirmed the legitimacy of the current leadership.
“We are gathered here today at the National Headquarters and Registered Office of the Okpe Union to appoint new Trustees for the Incorporated Trustees of Okpe Union, as ordered by the Federal High Court in Lagos,” Natufe declared.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, it is my profound pleasure to welcome you all to this historic event which opens a new page in the glorious history of the Okpe Union. The trustees we are appointing today will fill the missing page in the governance structure of the Okpe Union.”
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees is chaired by Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Atarhe-Abuh, with Barrister Felix Orere serving as Secretary.
Other members of the board include:
- Mr. Bernard Adibor
- Ms. Dora Omuvwie
- Mr. Patrick Akpotor
- Mrs. Florence Oseragbaje
- Mrs. Mary Johnson
- Hon. Patrick Ovwile
- Chief Remi Rita Onomakpome
- Rev. Frank Ojogwa Ekejija
- Dr. Evans Igho Akpo
Prof. Natufe used the occasion to commend Okpe nationals both within Nigeria and in the diaspora for their unwavering commitment to the ideals of the union.
He particularly acknowledged their strategic advice, moral encouragement, and financial contributions, which he said have sustained the organisation through challenging periods and enabled it to continue championing the cause of good governance and the rule of law in Okpe land.
“Together, we are a united force for the growth and development of the Okpe Nation,” Natufe emphasized.
“And together with other indigenous ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, we will define the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism where each ethnic nationality exercises its sovereignty in a truly federal republic.”
The President General also provided a detailed legal background that culminated in the appointment of the new trustees.
According to him, on April 30, 2024, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja vacated an earlier order that had been obtained by what he described as an illegal faction of the Okpe Union. The court subsequently directed the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to remove the names of that group from its official records.
Natufe explained that the ruling effectively restored legitimacy to the recognised leadership of the Okpe Union and empowered it to appoint new trustees for the organisation.
The decision, he noted, was consistent with an earlier judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lagos on January 19, 2023, which declared the leadership structure purportedly appointed by HRM Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, on October 3, 2020, as illegal.
Building on these judicial victories, the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union filed a motion on October 27, 2025, seeking the court’s leave to formally appoint new trustees.
That request was granted on January 14, 2026, when Justice Y. Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/1153/2025, authorised the union to convene a meeting and appoint trustees in accordance with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
The ruling also directed the Corporate Affairs Commission to register the trustees once the legal requirements stipulated under the Act had been satisfied.
Delivering her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated BoT Chairperson, Dr. Rose Atarhe-Abuh, described the moment as a significant milestone in the continued growth and institutional strengthening of the Okpe Union.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of honour, humility and responsibility following the successful inauguration of our Board of Trustees,” she said.
“This moment is not merely ceremonial; it is a defining chapter in the continued growth and strengthening of the Okpe Union.”
Dr. Atarhe-Abuh expressed profound gratitude to members of the Okpe Union across the world for their steadfast support and commitment to the organisation’s ideals.
She emphasized that the union’s achievements and resilience over the years have been built upon the dedication of its members to preserving the cultural heritage, unity, and collective welfare of the Okpe people.
On behalf of the newly inaugurated board, she pledged to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, diligence, fairness, and transparency.
“We hereby formally accept this appointment with a full understanding of the responsibilities entrusted to us,” she said.
“We are committed to upholding the constitution of the Okpe Union and safeguarding its values for present and future generations.”
The BoT chairperson also assured members that the board would work collaboratively with the National Executive Council and other stakeholders to strengthen the institutional structures of the union.
According to her, the success of the organisation depends on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the collective vision of the Okpe people.
“At a time when unity and purposeful leadership are most needed, we must rise above individual differences and focus on our shared vision,” she stated.
“The Okpe Union must continue to serve as a beacon of hope, cultural pride and socio-economic advancement for our people.”
She also paid tribute to previous leaders whose sacrifices and dedication laid the foundation upon which the present leadership is building.
Dr. Atarhe-Abuh concluded by urging all members of the Okpe Union to remain actively engaged and supportive of the organisation’s activities.
“The strength of our union lies in our unity,” she said.
“And together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
The inauguration of the new Board of Trustees is widely regarded as a major step toward stabilising the governance structure of the Okpe Union and reinforcing its mission of promoting unity, cultural identity, and sustainable development for the Okpe people both in Nigeria and across the global diaspora.
Source: Leadership News
Homepage: https://globalegberi.com.ng/wp
Author:
Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
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