Civil society organizations identified as African Leadership Strategy & Transparency Development Initiative,
have called on Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently intervene in the growing leadership crisis rocking the Igbuzo Youth Council (IYC) in Ibusa, Oshimili North LGA, warning that the situation is fast deteriorating and could lead to violent cult clashes if left unaddressed.
In an open letter signed by Amb. Nelson Ossaieze and Comrade Victor Itsede, the CSOs accused the local government chairman, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, of defying a valid court injunction by imposing an illegal interim executive on the youth council. They further alleged that Hon. Esewezie formed a group called Ibusa Youth Ambassadors, which he uses to enforce control over the council in violation of its constitution and the rule of law.
The letter revealed that a peace meeting held on July 21, 2025, at the state secretariat following a previous petition dated May 28, ended in a stalemate.
According to the CSOs, Chief Edwin Uzor, the governor’s Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Management, openly sided with the LG Chairman, asking the aggrieved youths to withdraw their case from court before being heard, despite ongoing violations of the same court order.
They alleged that the chairman of the imposed interim body, Hon. Patrick Nwankwor, is a serving councillor and acting secretary to the Obuzor of Ibusa, both roles which violate the provisions of the IYC constitution. The CSOs warned that political interests are fueling the crisis and creating hostility on the ground, with community tension rising daily.
Despite the issuance of Form 48 contempt proceedings by the court against those violating its order, the illegal interim body continues to operate freely, instilling fear and undermining the legitimacy of the existing council led by Chief Victor Ifeanyi Asiodu. The CSOs insist that the interference is politically motivated and against the values of justice and peace that Governor Oborevwori upholds.
The organizations urged the governor to dissolve the interim executive, enforce the court’s order, and initiate a neutral, transparent process to restore legitimate leadership in the IYC. They also called for a fact-finding mission to assess the situation firsthand and prevent further escalation.
