Ojogo Blows Whistle on Plot to Upend Arogbo-Apoi Rotation, Warns of Looming Crisis in Ese-Odo

A fresh political controversy is brewing in Ese-Odo Local Government Area following allegations of moves by some individuals to truncate the long-standing rotational arrangement between the Arogbo and Apoi Ijaw Kingdoms.

Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, has reacted strongly to the development, expressing concern over what he described as a unilateral attempt to disrupt an age-long agreement built on mutual trust.

Presenting his position, Ojogo stated:

ON THE ALLEGED MOVES BY SOME INDIVIDUALS TO TRUNCATE THE AGE-LONG ROTATIONAL ARRANGEMENT OF MUTUAL TRUST BETWEEN THE TWO ANCIENT IJAW KINGDOMS OF AROGBO AND APOI.

I’m compelled to script this in response to the alleged moves by some individuals to unilaterally truncate the age-long rotational arrangement between Arogbo and Apoi (Ijaw)Kingdoms. My decision to voice out has no link with misguided and misplaced musings that “those aspiring for second term are behind the move “. Far from it.

Indeed, the consequences of any unbridled power exertion as regards the subject matter are significantly unhelpful than the need to react to whatever insinuation(s) uninformed minds might adduce. After all, lies and unjustifiable disinformation are common features of the political space.

In January 1997, fresh from NYSC in 1996, I was privileged, as the youngest present, to sit among Arogbo and Apoi Leaders of Thought. That divine accord produced Elder Ibine Obolo and myself as Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the then UNCP. My late political mentor, High Chief Dr. F. K. Ajih, blazed the trail as the first Executive Chairman of the newly created Ese-Odo Local Government Council on the strength of the accord.

Two significant meetings held between January 3 and 5, 1997. The decisions were profound. Their implementation was swift, seamless and reassuring. That practice has endured the test of time. The first and only attempt to reverse that accord met stiff resistance and failed.

Even when some persons orchestrated the suspension of the late Dr. Ajih as Council Chairman, Apoi leaders, in a true demonstration of truth and integrity, stood against the elevation of the then Vice Chairman, High Chief Raphael Abejoye. Not even the Leader of Council was spared by the plotters. He was removed to pave the way for an Arogbo man to act as Chairman. In this particular case too, I have not lost my confidence in the legendary APOIKOLOKOLO stance that INTEGRITY MATTERS.

I am confident Hon. Toyin Allen will not walk a path not taken by whoever means well for our dear local government. On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, I conveyed my thoughts on this matter to His Excellency, the Governor. Should he give approval to this mischief, he would be seen to have endorsed a counsel driven by vengeance and hateful crave.

Below Were My Humble Thoughts To Mr. Governor:

“Good afternoon, Your Excellency, Mr. Governor,

I write with a troubled heart not because of the obvious, undisguised attempts by mortal powers to thwart what God has ordained. The purpose of this correspondence stems from the mischief being orchestrated around the Ese-Odo State Constituency seat by some self-serving leaders from Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom.

It is now public knowledge that these leaders have carefully crafted a misleading narrative to justify a renewed bid by Hon. Toyin Allen for the State Assembly in 2027. The argument, cloaked in talks of “ranking status” for Ese-Odo lawmakers, is far from altruistic. It is packaged mischief being presented to Your Excellency for delivery.

This agenda was initiated by an individual who later co-opted a new ally so that the Council Chairman might also seek re-election. Its roots lie in the fallout from the last ward and local government congresses. The target, Your Excellency, is your political mentee – an aspirant for the Ese-Odo State Assembly seat. The intent is to stop him. The proposal, therefore, is a product of anger, hatred, and an unyielding desire for vengeance.

I am compelled to take this path because of the inherent dangers in embracing this false narrative. I plead with Your Excellency not to allow yourself to be used for this mischief.

As I write, I must state clearly that the target of this scheme is not my supporter. His preference in the House of Representatives race remains tied to whoever earns Your Excellency’s nod. But this goes far beyond him. It is about preserving the long-cherished relationship, built on mutual trust, between the Arogbo and Apoi Ijaw Kingdoms.

I have no pecuniary interest in this matter, even though the very mischief being pressed upon Your Excellency inadvertently validates the ranking debate – that first-term lawmakers(in the Ondo State House of Assembly) should be encouraged to seek second and subsequent terms.

Thank you, Your Excellency. Please accept the assurances of my reverence and highest regards”.

Signed:

Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo

Member, House of Representatives

Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency.

Ojogo maintained that preserving the long-standing relationship between Arogbo and Apoi remains critical to sustaining peace and political stability in Ese-Odo, warning that any attempt to alter the arrangement could trigger avoidable tension ahead of the 2027 elections.