Iyede-Ame Community Protests Parallel Leadership, Demands Delta Govt Intervention

The people of Iyede-Ame community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have raised alarm over what they describe as a “parallel government” operating within their community, allegedly led by Mr. Imoninue Jesuhovie and a group of supporters.

The group, which also includes Emebeyo Vote, Atemeyo Johnson, Asure Gospel, Omue Awoture, Ofremu Oghale, and Okiemor Churchill, is accused of frustrating the recognized community leadership under Christopher Odjegba and stalling vital development projects.

Community leaders allege that the activities of the faction are threatening peace and undermining oil and gas exploration by SEEPCO/FHN/NEPL JV, which they say has been unable to make progress due to repeated threats that the community would be made ungovernable.

Speaking during a peaceful protest, the residents maintained that they are peace-loving people who desire development, employment opportunities, and social amenities that have eluded them due to the crisis. “We cannot continue to allow this parallel structure to hold our people hostage. We need peace, development, and government presence, not division,” a protester declared.

The protesters called on the Delta State Government, security agencies, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to resist pressures from the parallel group and ensure that the community’s legitimate leadership is recognized.

They stressed that urgent intervention is needed to avert a breakdown of law and order and to fast-track infrastructural and social development in Iyede-Ame.