The Delta State Government on Tuesday dissolved all factions of the Community Development Association (CDA) in Ojobo community, Burutu Local Government Area, following escalating tensions and killings linked to disputes over CDA leadership.
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme announced the dissolution during a stakeholders’ meeting at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. The meeting was attended by Service Chiefs, the Commissioner of Police, and the Secretary to the State Government.
Onyeme said Delta is governed by law and warned against acts that threaten peace and stability. He assured residents that investigations into the recent killings and violent incidents in Ojobo would be thorough, and that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
“The lives that were lost will not be ignored. Proper investigations will be carried out and those linked to the incidents will face the law. We are not going to sweep it aside,” the Deputy Governor stated.
He said the state would not allow communities to slide into crisis due to CDA leadership struggles, insisting that community development structures must operate within legal provisions.
Citing the Delta State Regulation of Community Development Associations Law No. 16 of 2021, Onyeme explained that CDA officers are entitled to a three-year tenure and may only be re-elected for one additional term. He dismissed agitations for one-year, two-year, or six-month leadership arrangements as inconsistent with the law.
He added that CDA elections must be supervised by appropriate government agencies, and elected officers must receive certification and security clearance before assuming office. None of the officials in the Ojobo factions met these legal requirements, rendering their activities unlawful.
“As far as government is concerned, all actions carried out outside the provisions of the law are illegal. Consequently, government announced the immediate dissolution of all existing CDA factions in Ojobo community, regardless of affiliation or tenure arrangement,” he said.
“The one-year faction, two-year faction, six-month faction or any other faction no longer exist. They have all been dissolved. Pending the establishment of a lawful leadership structure, the Chairman of the local government council is expected to oversee affairs relating to the community’s administration,” Onyeme declared.
He warned that violators of the CDA law risk penalties of N500,000 fine, two years imprisonment, or both. The Deputy Governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to restoring peace, law and order, urging residents to embrace unity and work collectively for community development.
Also speaking, 63 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Moronfolu Shonibare, said it was regrettable that Ojobo had failed to resolve the CDA crisis internally. He warned that anyone caught with arms would face the full weight of the law.
Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, cautioned individuals involved in the recent violence that murder, arson, and grievous harm would attract full legal consequences. “We are in a country governed by law and any violation of the law has consequences. Murder has taken place, arson has taken place, grievous harm has also taken place. Let nobody think they can get away with crimes committed,” he said.
Earlier, Burutu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Julius Takeme, briefed the Deputy Governor, Service Chiefs, and other stakeholders on the origin of the Ojobo CDA leadership crisis and steps the council had taken to resolve it.
